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Revision 1.53 by root, Tue Nov 27 20:15:02 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.178 by root, Sat Sep 13 18:25:50 2008 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 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
11 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
12 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
13 18
14 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
15 static void 21 static void
16 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
17 { 23 {
18 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
19 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
20 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
21 } 31 }
22 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
23 static void 34 static void
24 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
25 { 36 {
26 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
27 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
28 } 40 }
29 41
30 int 42 int
31 main (void) 43 main (void)
32 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
33 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
34 47
35 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
36 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
37 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
38 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
39 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
40 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
41 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
42 57
43 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
44 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
45 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
46 return 0; 62 return 0;
47 } 63 }
48 64
49=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
50 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
51Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev 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 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 74
55To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To 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 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
57communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
59You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
60watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, 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 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
62watcher. 82watcher.
63 83
64=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
65 85
66Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
67kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
68timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
69events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
70loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
95(C<ev_fork>).
96
97It also is quite fast (see this
71fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
72it to libevent for example). 99for example).
73 100
74=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
75 102
76Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
77will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
78about various configuration options please have a look at the file 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
79F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
80support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
81argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
82will not have this argument. 109this argument.
83 110
84=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
85 112
86Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
87(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
88the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the 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 116called 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 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
91it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
92 142
93=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
94 144
95These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
96library in any way. 146library in any way.
101 151
102Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns 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 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
104you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
105 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
106=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
107 163
108=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
109 165
110You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You 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 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
112C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<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 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
114version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
115 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
116Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 178not a problem.
120 179
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 181version.
123 182
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 186
128=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
129 188
130Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
131value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
133a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
134 193
135Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
136a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
137 196
138 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
139 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
140 199
141=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
142 201
143Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
144recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
145returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
146most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
147(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
148libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
149 208
150=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
151 210
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
157 216
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 218
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 220
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 225or take some potentially destructive action.
226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
167 230
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free 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. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
171 234
172Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
173retries: better than mine). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
174 237
175 static void * 238 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 240 {
178 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
189 ... 252 ...
190 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
191 254
192=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
193 256
194Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
195as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
196indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
197callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
200(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
201 264
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 266
204 static void 267 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 268 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 269 {
207 perror (msg); 270 perror (msg);
216=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
217 280
218An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
219types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
220events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
221
222If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
223in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
224create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
225whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
226threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
227done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
228 284
229=over 4 285=over 4
230 286
231=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
232 288
236flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
237 293
238If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
239function. 295function.
240 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
241The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
242backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
243 310
244The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
245 312
250The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
251thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
252 319
253=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
254 321
255If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
256or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override 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 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
260around bugs. 327around bugs.
261 328
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
333enabling this flag.
334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341
342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag.
345
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable.
348
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 350
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This 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, 352libev 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 353but 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 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
268the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
269 363
270=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
271 365
272And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
273select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
274number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 368limit 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). 369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips.
276 372
277=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
278 374
279For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For 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 376but 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 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
282either O(1) or O(active_fds). 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup.
283 382
284While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
285result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
286(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(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 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
288well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
289 388
290Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please 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 390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
292(or space) is available. 391(or space) is available.
293 392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
396
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far.
399
294=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
295 401
296Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
297was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
298anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
299completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
300unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
301C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
408system like NetBSD.
409
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
302 413
303It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It 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 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
305course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 416course). 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 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
307incident, so its best to avoid that. 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
428sockets.
308 429
309=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
310 431
311This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
434and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
435immensely.
312 436
313=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
314 438
315This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This 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)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
317 441
318Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 442Please 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 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
320blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better.
450
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
321 454
322=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
323 456
324Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 457Try 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 458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
326C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 459C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
327 460
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462
328=back 463=back
329 464
330If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
331backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
332specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
333order of their flag values :)
334 468
335The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
336 470
337 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
338 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
339 473
340Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
341environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
342 476
343 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
344 478
345Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
346available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
347event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
348 482
349 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
350 484
351=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
352 486
353Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar 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 488always 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 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
358Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
359 497
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 501
364=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
365 503
366Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
367etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). 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 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
369responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
370calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling 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 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
372for example). 510for example).
511
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
514would need to be stopped manually.
515
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
373 520
374=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 521=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
375 522
376Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 523Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
377earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 524earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
378 525
379=item ev_default_fork () 526=item ev_default_fork ()
380 527
528This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
381This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 529to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
382one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 530name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
383after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 531the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
384again makes little sense). 532sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
533functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
385 534
386You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 535On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
387only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 536process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
388fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 537you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
389 538
390The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 539The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
391it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 540it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
392quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 541quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
393 542
394 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 543 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
395 544
396At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
397without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
398do not need to care.
399
400=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 545=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
401 546
402Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like 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 548C<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. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
554
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
559happily wraps around with enough iterations.
560
561This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
562"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
563C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
405 564
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 565=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 566
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 567Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 568use.
412 571
413Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 572Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
414received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
415change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change 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 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
417event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
577
578=item ev_now_update (loop)
579
580Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
581returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
582is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
583
584This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
585very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
586the current time is a good idea.
587
588See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
418 589
419=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 590=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
420 591
421Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 592Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
422after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 593after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
434A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 605A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
435those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 606those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
436case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 607case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
437 608
438A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 609A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
439neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 610necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
440your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 611your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
441one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 612one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
442external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 613external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
443libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 614libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 615usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 616
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 617Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 618
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 619 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 620 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
621 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
622 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 623 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
624 as to not disturb the other process.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 625 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 626 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 627 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
628 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
629 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
630 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 631 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
455 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 632 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
456 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 633 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
457 - Queue all outstanding timers. 634 - Queue all outstanding timers.
458 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 635 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
459 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 636 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
460 - Queue all check watchers. 637 - Queue all check watchers.
461 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 638 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
462 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 639 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 640 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 641 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 642 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
643 continue with step *.
466 644
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 645Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
468anymore. 646anymore.
469 647
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 648 ... 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..) 649 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 650 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
473 ... jobs done. yeah! 651 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
474 652
475=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 653=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
476 654
477Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 655Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
478has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 656has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
479C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 657C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
480C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 658C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
659
660This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
481 661
482=item ev_ref (loop) 662=item ev_ref (loop)
483 663
484=item ev_unref (loop) 664=item ev_unref (loop)
485 665
490returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 670returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
491example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 671example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
492visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 672visible 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 673no 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 674way 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>. 675libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
676(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
677respectively).
496 678
497Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 679Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
498running when nothing else is active. 680running when nothing else is active.
499 681
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 682 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 683 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 684 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 685 evf_unref (loop);
504 686
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 687Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 688
507 ev_ref (myloop); 689 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 690 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
691
692=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
693
694=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
695
696These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
697for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
698will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
699latency.
700
701Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
702allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
703to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
704opportunities).
705
706The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
707handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
708the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
709events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
710overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
711
712By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
713time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
714at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
715C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
716introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
717
718Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
719to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
720latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
721will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
722any overhead in libev.
723
724Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
725interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
726interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
727usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
728as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
729
730Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
731saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
732are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
733times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
734reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
735they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
736
737=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
738
739This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
740compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
741them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
742an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
743
744This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
745circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
746data structures consistent.
509 747
510=back 748=back
511 749
512 750
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 751=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
514 752
515A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 753A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
516interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 754interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
517become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 755become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
518 756
519 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 757 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
520 { 758 {
521 ev_io_stop (w); 759 ev_io_stop (w);
522 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 760 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
523 } 761 }
524 762
525 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 763 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
526 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 764 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
527 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 765 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
528 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 766 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
529 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 767 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
530 ev_loop (loop, 0); 768 ev_loop (loop, 0);
531 769
532As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 770As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
533watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 771watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
534although this can sometimes be quite valid). 772although this can sometimes be quite valid).
535 773
536Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 774Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
537(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 775(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
538callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 776callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
539watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 777watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
540is readable and/or writable). 778is readable and/or writable).
541 779
542Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 780Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
543with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 781with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
613=item C<EV_FORK> 851=item C<EV_FORK>
614 852
615The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 853The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
616C<ev_fork>). 854C<ev_fork>).
617 855
856=item C<EV_ASYNC>
857
858The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
859
618=item C<EV_ERROR> 860=item C<EV_ERROR>
619 861
620An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 862An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
621happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 863happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
622ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 864ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
623problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 865problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
624with the watcher being stopped. 866with the watcher being stopped.
625 867
626Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 868Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
627for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 869for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
628your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 870your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
629with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 871with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
630programs, though, so beware. 872programs, though, so beware.
631 873
632=back 874=back
633 875
634=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 876=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
664Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 906Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
665(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 907(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
666 908
667=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 909=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
668 910
669This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 911This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
670calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 912calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
671a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 913a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
672 914
673=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 915=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
674 916
675Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 917Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 935=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 936
695Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 937Returns 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 938events 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 939is 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 940C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 941make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
942it).
700 943
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 944=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 945
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 946Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 947
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 948=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 949
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 950Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(modulo threads). 951(modulo threads).
952
953=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
954
955=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
956
957Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
958integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
959(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
960before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
961from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
962
963This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
964invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
965example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
966watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
967
968If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
969you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
970
971You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
972pending.
973
974The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
975always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
976
977Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
978fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
979or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
980
981=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
982
983Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
984C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
985can deal with that fact.
986
987=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
988
989If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
990and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
991watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
709 992
710=back 993=back
711 994
712 995
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 996=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
717to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1000to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
718don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1001don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
719member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1002member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
720data: 1003data:
721 1004
722 struct my_io 1005 struct my_io
723 { 1006 {
724 struct ev_io io; 1007 struct ev_io io;
725 int otherfd; 1008 int otherfd;
726 void *somedata; 1009 void *somedata;
727 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1010 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
728 } 1011 };
1012
1013 ...
1014 struct my_io w;
1015 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
729 1016
730And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1017And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
731can cast it back to your own type: 1018can cast it back to your own type:
732 1019
733 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1020 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
734 { 1021 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1022 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 1023 ...
737 } 1024 }
738 1025
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 1026More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have been omitted.... 1027instead have been omitted.
1028
1029Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1030embedded watchers:
1031
1032 struct my_biggy
1033 {
1034 int some_data;
1035 ev_timer t1;
1036 ev_timer t2;
1037 }
1038
1039In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1040complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1041in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer
1042arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers:
1043
1044 #include <stddef.h>
1045
1046 static void
1047 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1048 {
1049 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1050 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1051 }
1052
1053 static void
1054 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1055 {
1056 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1057 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1058 }
741 1059
742 1060
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1061=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 1062
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1063This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
769In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1087In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
770fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1088fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
771descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1089descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
772required if you know what you are doing). 1090required if you know what you are doing).
773 1091
774You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
775(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
776descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
777to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
778the same underlying "file open").
779
780If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1092If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
781(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1093(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
782C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1094C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
783 1095
784Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1096Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
785receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1097receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
786be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1098be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
787because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1099because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
788lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1100lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
789this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1101this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
790it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1102it 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. 1103C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
792 1104
793If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1105If 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 1106play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
795wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1107whether 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 1108such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
797its own, so its quite safe to use). 1109its own, so its quite safe to use).
798 1110
1111=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1112
1113Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1114descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1115such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1116descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1117this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1118registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1119fact, a different file descriptor.
1120
1121To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1122the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1123will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1124it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1125you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1126descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1127
1128This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1129the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1130optimisations to libev.
1131
1132=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1133
1134Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1135but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1136have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1137events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1138
1139There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1140for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1141C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1142
1143=head3 The special problem of fork
1144
1145Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1146useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1147it in the child.
1148
1149To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1150C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1151enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1152C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1153
1154=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1155
1156While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1157when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1158send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1159this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1160
1161So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1162ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1163somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1164
1165
1166=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1167
799=over 4 1168=over 4
800 1169
801=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1170=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
802 1171
803=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1172=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
804 1173
805Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1174Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
806rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1175receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
807C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1176C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
808 1177
809=item int fd [read-only] 1178=item int fd [read-only]
810 1179
811The file descriptor being watched. 1180The file descriptor being watched.
814 1183
815The events being watched. 1184The events being watched.
816 1185
817=back 1186=back
818 1187
1188=head3 Examples
1189
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1190Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1191readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1192attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 1193
823 static void 1194 static void
824 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1195 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
825 { 1196 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1197 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
827 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1198 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
828 } 1199 }
829 1200
830 ... 1201 ...
831 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1202 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
832 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1203 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
833 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1204 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
834 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1205 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
835 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1206 ev_loop (loop, 0);
836 1207
837 1208
838=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1209=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
839 1210
840Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1211Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
841given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1212given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
842 1213
843The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1214The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
844times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1215times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
845time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1216year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
846detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1217detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
847monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1218monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1219
1220The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1221but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1222order of execution is undefined.
1223
1224=head3 The special problem of time updates
1225
1226Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1227least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1228time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes
1229a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1230lots of events.
848 1231
849The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1232The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
850time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1233time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
851of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1234of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
852you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1235you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
853on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1236timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
854 1237
855 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1238 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
856 1239
857The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1240If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
858but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1241update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
859order of execution is undefined. 1242()>.
1243
1244=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
860 1245
861=over 4 1246=over 4
862 1247
863=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1248=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
864 1249
865=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1250=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
866 1251
867Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1252Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
868C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1253is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
869timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1254reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
870later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1255configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1256until stopped manually.
871 1257
872The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1258The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
873configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1259you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
874exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1260trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
875the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1261keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
876timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1262do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
877 1263
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1264=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
879 1265
880This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1266This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 1267repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 1268
1269If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1270
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1271If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1272
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1273If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1274C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1275
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1276This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1277example: 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, 1278timeout, 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 1279seconds 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 1280configure 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 1281C<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 1282you 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 1283socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
896need be. 1284automatically restart it if need be.
897 1285
898You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1286That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1287altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1288
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1289 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1290 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1291 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1292 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1293 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1294 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1295 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1296 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1297
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1298This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1299you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1300
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1301=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1302
915The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1303The 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), 1304or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1305which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1306
919=back 1307=back
920 1308
1309=head3 Examples
1310
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1311Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1312
923 static void 1313 static void
924 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1314 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
925 { 1315 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1316 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
927 } 1317 }
928 1318
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1319 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1320 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1321 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1322
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1323Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1324inactivity.
935 1325
936 static void 1326 static void
937 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1327 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
938 { 1328 {
939 .. ten seconds without any activity 1329 .. ten seconds without any activity
940 } 1330 }
941 1331
942 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1332 struct ev_timer mytimer;
943 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1333 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
944 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1334 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
945 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1335 ev_loop (loop, 0);
946 1336
947 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1337 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
948 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1338 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
949 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1339 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
950 1340
951 1341
952=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1342=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
953 1343
954Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1344Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
955(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1345(and unfortunately a bit complex).
956 1346
957Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1347Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
958but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1348but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
959to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1349to trigger after 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 () 1350periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
961+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1351+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1352clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
962take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1353to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
963roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1354roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
964again).
965 1355
966They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1356C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
967triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1357such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1358complicated, rules.
968 1359
969As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1360As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
970time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1361time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
971during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1362during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1363
1364=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
972 1365
973=over 4 1366=over 4
974 1367
975=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1368=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
976 1369
979Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1372Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
980operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1373operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
981 1374
982=over 4 1375=over 4
983 1376
984=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1377=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
985 1378
986In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1379In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
987C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1380time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
988that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1381jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
989system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1382run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
990 1383
991=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1384=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1385
993In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1386In 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 1387C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
995of any time jumps. 1388and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
996 1389
997This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1390This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
998time: 1391time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1392the hour:
999 1393
1000 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1394 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1001 1395
1002This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1396This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1003but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1397but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1004full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1398full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1005by 3600. 1399by 3600.
1006 1400
1007Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1401Another 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 1402C<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. 1403time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1010 1404
1405For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1406C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1407this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1408
1409Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1410speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1411will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1412millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1413
1011=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1414=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1012 1415
1013In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1416In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1014ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1417ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1015reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1418reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1016current time as second argument. 1419current time as second argument.
1017 1420
1018NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1421NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1019ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1422ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1020return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1021starting a prepare watcher).
1022 1423
1424If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1425it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1426only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1427
1023Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1428The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1024ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1429*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1025 1430
1026 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1431 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1027 { 1432 {
1028 return now + 60.; 1433 return now + 60.;
1029 } 1434 }
1031It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1436It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1032(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1437(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1033will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1438will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1034might be called at other times, too. 1439might be called at other times, too.
1035 1440
1036NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1441NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1037passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1442equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1038 1443
1039This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1444This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1040triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1445triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1041next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1446next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1042you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1447you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1043reason I omitted it as an example). 1448reason I omitted it as an example).
1044 1449
1045=back 1450=back
1049Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1454Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1050when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1455when 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 1456a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1052program when the crontabs have changed). 1457program when the crontabs have changed).
1053 1458
1459=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1460
1461When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1462trigger next.
1463
1464=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1465
1466When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1467absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1468
1469Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1470timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1471
1054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1472=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1055 1473
1056The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1474The 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 1475take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1058called. 1476called.
1063switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1481switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1482the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1483
1066=back 1484=back
1067 1485
1486=head3 Examples
1487
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1488Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1489system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1490potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1071 1491
1072 static void 1492 static void
1073 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1493 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1074 { 1494 {
1075 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1495 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1076 } 1496 }
1077 1497
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1498 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1499 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1500 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1501
1082Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1502Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1083 1503
1084 #include <math.h> 1504 #include <math.h>
1085 1505
1086 static ev_tstamp 1506 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1507 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1088 { 1508 {
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1509 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1510 }
1091 1511
1092 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1512 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1093 1513
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1514Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1515
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1516 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1517 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1518 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1519 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1100 1520
1101 1521
1102=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1522=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1103 1523
1104Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1524Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1111with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1531with 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 1532as 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 1533watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1114SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1534SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1115 1535
1536If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1537C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1538interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1539signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1540them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1541
1542=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1543
1116=over 4 1544=over 4
1117 1545
1118=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1546=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1119 1547
1120=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1548=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1126 1554
1127The signal the watcher watches out for. 1555The signal the watcher watches out for.
1128 1556
1129=back 1557=back
1130 1558
1559=head3 Examples
1560
1561Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1562
1563 static void
1564 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1565 {
1566 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1567 }
1568
1569 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1570 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1571 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1572
1131 1573
1132=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1574=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1133 1575
1134Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1576Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1135some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1577some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1578is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1579forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1580loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1581
1582Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1583you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1584
1585=head3 Process Interaction
1586
1587Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1588initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1589the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1590of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1591synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1592children, even ones not watched.
1593
1594=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1595
1596Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1597processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1598handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1599C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1600default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1601event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1602that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1603
1604=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1605
1606Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1607child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1608callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1609when a child exit is detected.
1610
1611=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1136 1612
1137=over 4 1613=over 4
1138 1614
1139=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1615=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1140 1616
1141=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1617=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1142 1618
1143Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1619Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1144I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1620I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1145at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1621at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1146the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1622the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1147C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1623C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1148process causing the status change. 1624process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1625activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1626activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1149 1627
1150=item int pid [read-only] 1628=item int pid [read-only]
1151 1629
1152The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1630The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1153 1631
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1638The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1639C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1640
1163=back 1641=back
1164 1642
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1643=head3 Examples
1166 1644
1645Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1646its completion.
1647
1648 ev_child cw;
1649
1167 static void 1650 static void
1168 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1651 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1169 { 1652 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1653 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1654 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1171 } 1655 }
1172 1656
1173 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1657 pid_t pid = fork ();
1174 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1658
1175 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1659 if (pid < 0)
1660 // error
1661 else if (pid == 0)
1662 {
1663 // the forked child executes here
1664 exit (1);
1665 }
1666 else
1667 {
1668 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1669 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1670 }
1176 1671
1177 1672
1178=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1673=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1179 1674
1180This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1675This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1181C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1676C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1182compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1677compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1183 1678
1184The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1679The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1185not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1680not 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 1681not 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 1682otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1683the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 1684
1685The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1686relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1687
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1688Since 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 1689calls 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 1690can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1691a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1692unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1693five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1694impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1198 1696
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1697This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1698as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1699resource-intensive.
1202 1700
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1701At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1702implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1703reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1704semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1705not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1706sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1707but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1708will be no polling.
1709
1710=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1711
1712Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1713compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1714support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1715structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1716use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1717compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1718obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1719most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1720
1721The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1722file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1723optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1724to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1725default compilation environment.
1726
1727=head3 Inotify
1728
1729When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1730available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1731change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1732when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1733
1734Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1735except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1736making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1737there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1738
1739(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1740implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1741descriptor open on the object at all times).
1742
1743=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1744
1745The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1746even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1747only support whole seconds.
1748
1749That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1750easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1751calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1752within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1753data does not change.
1754
1755The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1756than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1757a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1758ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1759
1760The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1761of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1762might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1763C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1764a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1765update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1766the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1767the timer callback).
1768
1769=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1205 1770
1206=over 4 1771=over 4
1207 1772
1208=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1773=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1209 1774
1213C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1778C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1214be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1779be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1215a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1780a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1216path for as long as the watcher is active. 1781path for as long as the watcher is active.
1217 1782
1218The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1783The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1219relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1784to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1220last change was detected). 1785was detected).
1221 1786
1222=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1787=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1223 1788
1224Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1789Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1225watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1790watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1226detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1791detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1227useful simply to find out the new values. 1792the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1793new values.
1228 1794
1229=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1795=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1230 1796
1231The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1797The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1232C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1798C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1233suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1799suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1800members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1234was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1801some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1235 1802
1236=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1803=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1237 1804
1238The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1805The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1239C<prev> != C<attr>. 1806C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1807differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1808C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1240 1809
1241=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1810=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1242 1811
1243The specified interval. 1812The specified interval.
1244 1813
1245=item const char *path [read-only] 1814=item const char *path [read-only]
1246 1815
1247The filesystem path that is being watched. 1816The file system path that is being watched.
1248 1817
1249=back 1818=back
1250 1819
1820=head3 Examples
1821
1251Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1822Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1252 1823
1253 static void 1824 static void
1254 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1825 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1255 { 1826 {
1256 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1827 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1257 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1828 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1258 { 1829 {
1259 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1830 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1260 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1831 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1261 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1832 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1262 } 1833 }
1263 else 1834 else
1264 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1835 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1265 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1836 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1266 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1837 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1267 } 1838 }
1268 1839
1269 ... 1840 ...
1270 ev_stat passwd; 1841 ev_stat passwd;
1271 1842
1272 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1843 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1844 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1845
1846Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1847miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1848one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1849C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1850
1851 static ev_stat passwd;
1852 static ev_timer timer;
1853
1854 static void
1855 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1856 {
1857 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1858
1859 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1860 }
1861
1862 static void
1863 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1864 {
1865 /* reset the one-second timer */
1866 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1867 }
1868
1869 ...
1870 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1871 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1872 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1274 1873
1275 1874
1276=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1875=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1277 1876
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1877Idle 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 1878priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1879count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1880
1282watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1881That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1882(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1883triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1884are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1885iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1886and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1887
1286The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1888The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1889active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1890
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1891Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1290effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1892effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1291"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1893"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1292event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1894event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1293 1895
1896=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1897
1294=over 4 1898=over 4
1295 1899
1296=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1900=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1297 1901
1298Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1902Initialises 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, 1903kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1300believe me. 1904believe me.
1301 1905
1302=back 1906=back
1303 1907
1908=head3 Examples
1909
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1910Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1911callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1912
1307 static void 1913 static void
1308 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1914 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1309 { 1915 {
1310 free (w); 1916 free (w);
1311 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1917 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1312 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1918 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1313 } 1919 }
1314 1920
1315 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1921 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1316 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1922 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1317 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1923 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1318 1924
1319 1925
1320=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1926=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1321 1927
1322Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1928Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1341 1947
1342This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1948This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1343to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1949to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1344them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1950them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1345provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1951provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1346any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1952any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1347and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1953and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1348callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1954callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1349because you never know, you know?). 1955because you never know, you know?).
1350 1956
1351As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1957As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1355with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1961with 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 1962of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1963loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1964low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 1965
1966It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1967priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1968after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1969too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1970supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1971did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1972(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1973state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1974coexist peacefully with others).
1975
1976=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1977
1360=over 4 1978=over 4
1361 1979
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1980=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1981
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1982=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1985parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1986macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1987
1370=back 1988=back
1371 1989
1372Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1990=head3 Examples
1373and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1991
1992There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1993into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1994(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1995use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1996Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1997Glib event loop).
1998
1999Method 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 2000and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1375pseudo-code only of course: 2001is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
2002priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
2003the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1376 2004
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2005 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 2006 static ev_timer tw;
1379 2007
1380 static void 2008 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2009 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 2010 {
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 } 2011 }
1389 2012
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2013 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 2014 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2015 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 2016 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2017 int timeout = 3600000;
2018 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2019 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2020 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 2021
1398 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2022 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2023 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2024 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 2025
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 2026 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2027 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 2028 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2029 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2030 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2031 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 2032
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 2033 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2034 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 2035 }
1413 } 2036 }
1414 2037
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 2038 // stop all watchers after blocking
1416 static void 2039 static void
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2040 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 2041 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2042 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 2043
1421 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2044 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2045 {
2046 // set the relevant poll flags
2047 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
2048 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
2049 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
2050 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
2051 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2052
2053 // now stop the watcher
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2054 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2055 }
1423 2056
1424 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2057 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1425 } 2058 }
2059
2060Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2061in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2062
2063Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2064notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2065callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2066
2067 static void
2068 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2069 {
2070 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2071 update_now (EV_A);
2072
2073 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2074 }
2075
2076 static void
2077 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2078 {
2079 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2080 update_now (EV_A);
2081
2082 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2083 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2084 }
2085
2086 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2087
2088Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2089want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2090their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2091loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2092this.
2093
2094 static gint
2095 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2096 {
2097 int got_events = 0;
2098
2099 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2100 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2101
2102 if (timeout >= 0)
2103 // create/start timer
2104
2105 // poll
2106 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2107
2108 // stop timer again
2109 if (timeout >= 0)
2110 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2111
2112 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2113 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2114 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2115
2116 return got_events;
2117 }
1426 2118
1427 2119
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2120=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 2121
1430This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2122This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1472portable one. 2164portable one.
1473 2165
1474So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2166So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1475that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2167that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1476this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2168this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1477create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2169create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1478 2170
1479 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2171=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1480 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1481 struct ev_embed embed;
1482
1483 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1484 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1485 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1486 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1487 : 0;
1488
1489 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1490 if (loop_lo)
1491 {
1492 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1493 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1494 }
1495 else
1496 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1497 2172
1498=over 4 2173=over 4
1499 2174
1500=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2175=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1501 2176
1503 2178
1504Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2179Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1505embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2180embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1506invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2181invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1507to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2182to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1508if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2183if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1509 2184
1510=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2185=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1511 2186
1512Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2187Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1513similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2188similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1514apropriate way for embedded loops. 2189appropriate way for embedded loops.
1515 2190
1516=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2191=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1517 2192
1518The embedded event loop. 2193The embedded event loop.
1519 2194
1520=back 2195=back
2196
2197=head3 Examples
2198
2199Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2200event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2201loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2202C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2203used).
2204
2205 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2206 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2207 struct ev_embed embed;
2208
2209 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2210 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2211 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2212 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2213 : 0;
2214
2215 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2216 if (loop_lo)
2217 {
2218 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2219 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2220 }
2221 else
2222 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2223
2224Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2225a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2226kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2227C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2228
2229 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2230 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2231 struct ev_embed embed;
2232
2233 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2234 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2235 {
2236 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2237 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2238 }
2239
2240 if (!loop_socket)
2241 loop_socket = loop;
2242
2243 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1521 2244
1522 2245
1523=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2246=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1524 2247
1525Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2248Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1528event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2251event 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 2252and 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 2253C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1531handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2254handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1532 2255
2256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2257
1533=over 4 2258=over 4
1534 2259
1535=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2260=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1536 2261
1537Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2262Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1538kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2263kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1539believe me. 2264believe me.
2265
2266=back
2267
2268
2269=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2270
2271In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2272asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2273loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2274
2275Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2276control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2277C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2278can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2279safe.
2280
2281This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2282too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2283(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2284C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2285
2286Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2287just the default loop.
2288
2289=head3 Queueing
2290
2291C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2292is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2293multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2294need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2295
2296That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2297queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2298queue:
2299
2300=over 4
2301
2302=item queueing from a signal handler context
2303
2304To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2305handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2306some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2307
2308 static ev_async mysig;
2309
2310 static void
2311 sigusr1_handler (void)
2312 {
2313 sometype data;
2314
2315 // no locking etc.
2316 queue_put (data);
2317 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2318 }
2319
2320 static void
2321 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2322 {
2323 sometype data;
2324 sigset_t block, prev;
2325
2326 sigemptyset (&block);
2327 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2328 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2329
2330 while (queue_get (&data))
2331 process (data);
2332
2333 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2334 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2335 }
2336
2337(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2338instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2339either...).
2340
2341=item queueing from a thread context
2342
2343The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2344threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2345employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2346
2347 static ev_async mysig;
2348 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2349
2350 static void
2351 otherthread (void)
2352 {
2353 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2354 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2355 queue_put (data);
2356 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2357
2358 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2359 }
2360
2361 static void
2362 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2363 {
2364 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2365
2366 while (queue_get (&data))
2367 process (data);
2368
2369 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2370 }
2371
2372=back
2373
2374
2375=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2376
2377=over 4
2378
2379=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2380
2381Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2382kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2383believe me.
2384
2385=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2386
2387Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2388an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2389C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2390similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2391section below on what exactly this means).
2392
2393This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2394so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2395calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2396
2397=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2398
2399Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2400watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2401event loop.
2402
2403C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2404the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2405it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2406quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2407
2408Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2409whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1540 2410
1541=back 2411=back
1542 2412
1543 2413
1544=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2414=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1555or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2425or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1556more watchers yourself. 2426more watchers yourself.
1557 2427
1558If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2428If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1559is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2429is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1560C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2430C<events> set will be created and started.
1561 2431
1562If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2432If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1563started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2433started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1564repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2434repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1565dubious value. 2435dubious value.
1567The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2437The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1568passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2438passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1569C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2439C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1570value passed to C<ev_once>: 2440value passed to C<ev_once>:
1571 2441
1572 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2442 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1573 { 2443 {
1574 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2444 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1575 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2445 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1576 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2446 else if (revents & EV_READ)
1577 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2447 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1578 } 2448 }
1579 2449
1580 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2450 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1581 2451
1582=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2452=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1583 2453
1584Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2454Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1585had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2455had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1590Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2460Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1591the given events it. 2461the given events it.
1592 2462
1593=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2463=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1594 2464
1595Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2465Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1596loop!). 2466loop!).
1597 2467
1598=back 2468=back
1599 2469
1600 2470
1616 2486
1617=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2487=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1618will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2488will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1619is an ev_pri field. 2489is an ev_pri field.
1620 2490
2491=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2492first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2493
1621=item * Other members are not supported. 2494=item * Other members are not supported.
1622 2495
1623=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2496=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1624to use the libev header file and library. 2497to use the libev header file and library.
1625 2498
1626=back 2499=back
1627 2500
1628=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2501=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1629 2502
1630Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2503Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1631you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2504you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1632the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2505the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1633 2506
1634To use it, 2507To use it,
1635 2508
1636 #include <ev++.h> 2509 #include <ev++.h>
1637 2510
1638(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2511This 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 2512of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2513put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2514options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1641 2515
1642It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2516Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1643C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2517classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2518that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2519you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2520
2521Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2522used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2523need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2524types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2525it).
1644 2526
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2527Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 2528
1647=over 4 2529=over 4
1648 2530
1664 2546
1665All of those classes have these methods: 2547All of those classes have these methods:
1666 2548
1667=over 4 2549=over 4
1668 2550
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2551=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 2552
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2553=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 2554
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2555=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 2556
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2557The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2558with. 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 2559
1678before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2560The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1679automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2561C<set> method before starting it.
2562
2563It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2564method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2565
2566(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2567not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1680 2568
1681The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2569The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2570
2571=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2572
2573This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2574signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2575first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2576parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2577
2578This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2579the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2580callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2581your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2582thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2583
2584Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2585
2586 struct myclass
2587 {
2588 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2589 }
2590
2591 myclass obj;
2592 ev::io iow;
2593 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2594
2595=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2596
2597Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2598callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2599C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2600
2601The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2602
2603See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2604
2605Example:
2606
2607 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2608 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1682 2609
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2610=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 2611
1685Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2612Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2613do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 2614
1688=item w->set ([args]) 2615=item w->set ([arguments])
1689 2616
1690Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2617Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1691called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2618called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 2619automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2620method.
1693 2621
1694=item w->start () 2622=item w->start ()
1695 2623
1696Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2624Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1697constructor already takes the loop. 2625constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 2626
1699=item w->stop () 2627=item w->stop ()
1700 2628
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2629Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 2630
1703=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2631=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1704 2632
1705For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2633For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1706C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2634C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1707 2635
1708=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2636=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1709 2637
1710Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2638Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1711 2639
1712=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2640=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1713 2641
1714Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2642Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1715 2643
1716=back 2644=back
1717 2645
1718=back 2646=back
1719 2647
1720Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2648Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1721the constructor. 2649the constructor.
1722 2650
1723 class myclass 2651 class myclass
1724 { 2652 {
1725 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2653 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1726 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2654 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1727 2655
1728 myclass (); 2656 myclass (int fd)
1729 } 2657 {
2658 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2659 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1730 2660
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 {
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2661 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2662 }
1736 } 2663 };
2664
2665
2666=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2667
2668Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2669number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2670any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2671me a note.
2672
2673=over 4
2674
2675=item Perl
2676
2677The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2678libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2679there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2680to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2681C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2682
2683It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2684L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2685
2686=item Python
2687
2688Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2689seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2690patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2691for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2692libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2693libev).
2694
2695=item Ruby
2696
2697Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2698of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2699more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2700L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2701
2702=item D
2703
2704Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2705be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2706
2707=back
1737 2708
1738 2709
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2710=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2711
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2712Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2713of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2714functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2715
1745To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2716To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1746following macros are defined: 2717following macros are defined:
1747 2718
1748=over 4 2719=over 4
1751 2722
1752This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2723This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1753loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2724loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1754C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2725C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1755 2726
1756 ev_unref (EV_A); 2727 ev_unref (EV_A);
1757 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2728 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1758 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2729 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1759 2730
1760It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2731It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1761which is often provided by the following macro. 2732which is often provided by the following macro.
1762 2733
1763=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2734=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1764 2735
1765This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2736This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1766loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2737loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1767C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2738C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1768 2739
1769 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2740 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1770 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2741 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1771 2742
1772 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2743 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1773 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2744 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1774 2745
1775It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2746It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1776suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2747suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1777 2748
1778=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2749=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1779 2750
1780Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2751Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2752loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2753
2754=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2755
2756Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2757default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2758is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2759execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2760
2761It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2762watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2763
1783=back 2764=back
1784 2765
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2766Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2767macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2768or not.
1787 2769
1788 static void 2770 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2771 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2772 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2773 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1792 } 2774 }
1793 2775
1794 ev_check check; 2776 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2777 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2778 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2779 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798
1799 2780
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2781=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2782
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2783Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2784applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1804Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2785Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1805and rxvt-unicode. 2786and rxvt-unicode.
1806 2787
1807The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2788The 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 2789source 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 2790you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1810libev somewhere in your source tree). 2791libev somewhere in your source tree).
1811 2792
1812=head2 FILESETS 2793=head2 FILESETS
1813 2794
1814Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2795Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1815in your app. 2796in your application.
1816 2797
1817=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2798=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1818 2799
1819To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2800To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1820configuration (no autoconf): 2801configuration (no autoconf):
1821 2802
1822 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2803 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1823 #include "ev.c" 2804 #include "ev.c"
1824 2805
1825This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2806This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1826single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2807single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1827it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2808it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1828done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2809done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1829where you can put other configuration options): 2810where you can put other configuration options):
1830 2811
1831 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2812 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1832 #include "ev.h" 2813 #include "ev.h"
1833 2814
1834Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2815Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1835compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2816compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1836as a bug). 2817as a bug).
1837 2818
1838You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2819You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1839in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2820in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1840 2821
1841 ev.h 2822 ev.h
1842 ev.c 2823 ev.c
1843 ev_vars.h 2824 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2825 ev_wrap.h
1845 2826
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2827 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2828
1848 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2829 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) 2830 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) 2831 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) 2832 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) 2833 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1853 2834
1854F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2835F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1855to compile this single file. 2836to compile this single file.
1856 2837
1857=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2838=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1858 2839
1859To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2840To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1860 2841
1861 #include "event.c" 2842 #include "event.c"
1862 2843
1863in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2844in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1864 2845
1865 #include "event.h" 2846 #include "event.h"
1866 2847
1867in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2848in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1868 2849
1869You need the following additional files for this: 2850You need the following additional files for this:
1870 2851
1871 event.h 2852 event.h
1872 event.c 2853 event.c
1873 2854
1874=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2855=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1875 2856
1876Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2857Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1877whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2858whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1878F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2859F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1879include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2860include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1880 2861
1881For this of course you need the m4 file: 2862For this of course you need the m4 file:
1882 2863
1883 libev.m4 2864 libev.m4
1884 2865
1885=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2866=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1886 2867
1887Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2868Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1888before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2869define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1889and only include the select backend. 2870autoconf is noted for every option.
1890 2871
1891=over 4 2872=over 4
1892 2873
1893=item EV_STANDALONE 2874=item EV_STANDALONE
1894 2875
1899F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2880F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1900 2881
1901=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2882=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1902 2883
1903If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2884If 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 2885monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1905of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2886of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1906usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2887usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1907the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2888the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1908to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2889to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1909function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2890function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1910 2891
1911=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2892=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1912 2893
1913If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2894If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1914realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2895real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1915runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2896runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1916be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2897be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1917(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2898(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1918in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2899note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2900
2901=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2902
2903If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2904and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2905
2906=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2907
2908If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2909available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2910C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2911If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29122.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1919 2913
1920=item EV_USE_SELECT 2914=item EV_USE_SELECT
1921 2915
1922If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2916If 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 2917C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
1924other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2918other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1925will not be compiled in. 2919will not be compiled in.
1926 2920
1927=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2921=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1928 2922
1929If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2923If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1930structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2924structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1931C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2925C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
1932exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2926exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1933low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2927low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1934allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2928allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1935influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2929influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1936 2930
1942be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2936be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1943C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2937C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1944it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2938it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1945on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2939on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1946 2940
2941=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2942
2943If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2944file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2945default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2946correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2947in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2948
1947=item EV_USE_POLL 2949=item EV_USE_POLL
1948 2950
1949If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2951If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1950backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2952backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1951takes precedence over select. 2953takes precedence over select.
1952 2954
1953=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2955=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1954 2956
1955If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2957If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1956C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2958C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1957otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2959otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1958preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2960backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2961headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1959 2962
1960=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2963=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1961 2964
1962If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2965If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1963C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2966C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1976otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2979otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1977backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2980backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1978 2981
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2982=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2983
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2984Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2985
2986=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2987
2988If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2989interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2990be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2991indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2992
2993=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2994
2995Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2996access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2997type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2998that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2999as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3000
3001In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3002(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
1982 3003
1983=item EV_H 3004=item EV_H
1984 3005
1985The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3006The 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 3007undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1987can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3008used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1988 3009
1989=item EV_CONFIG_H 3010=item EV_CONFIG_H
1990 3011
1991If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3012If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1992F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3013F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1993C<EV_H>, above. 3014C<EV_H>, above.
1994 3015
1995=item EV_EVENT_H 3016=item EV_EVENT_H
1996 3017
1997Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3018Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1998of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3019of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1999 3020
2000=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3021=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2001 3022
2002If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3023If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2003prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3024prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2010will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 3031will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 3032additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 3033for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 3034argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 3035
3036=item EV_MINPRI
3037
3038=item EV_MAXPRI
3039
3040The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3041C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
3042provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
3043to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
3044
3045When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3046all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3047and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3048fine.
3049
3050If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
3051C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3052
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3053=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 3054
2017If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3055If 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 3056defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2019code. 3057code.
2020 3058
3059=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
3060
3061If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3062defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3063code.
3064
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3065=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 3066
2023If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3067If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3068defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 3069
2031=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3075=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2032 3076
2033If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3077If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2034defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3078defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2035 3079
3080=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3081
3082If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3083defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3084
2036=item EV_MINIMAL 3085=item EV_MINIMAL
2037 3086
2038If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3087If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2039speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3088speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2040some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3089inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3090much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2041 3091
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3092=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 3093
2044C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3094C<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 3095pid. 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 3096than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2047increase this value. 3097increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3098
3099=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3100
3101C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3102inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
3103usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
3104watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
3105two).
3106
3107=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3108
3109Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3110timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3111to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3112noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3113
3114The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3115(disabled).
3116
3117=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3118
3119Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3120timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3121the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3122which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3123but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3124noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3125
3126The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3127(disabled).
3128
3129=item EV_VERIFY
3130
3131Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3132be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3133in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3134called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3135called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3136verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3137libev considerably.
3138
3139The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3140C<0.>
2048 3141
2049=item EV_COMMON 3142=item EV_COMMON
2050 3143
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3144By 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 3145this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2053members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3146members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2054though, and it must be identical each time. 3147though, and it must be identical each time.
2055 3148
2056For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3149For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2057 3150
2058 #define EV_COMMON \ 3151 #define EV_COMMON \
2059 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3152 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2060 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3153 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2061 3154
2062=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3155=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2063 3156
2064=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3157=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2065 3158
2066=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3159=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2067 3160
2068Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3161Can 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 3162and 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 3163definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2071their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3164their 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 3165avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2073method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3166method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3167
3168=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3169
3170If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3171exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3172all public symbols, one per line:
3173
3174 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3175 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3176
3177This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3178multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3179itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3180
3181A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3182include before including F<ev.h>:
3183
3184 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3185
3186This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3187
3188 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3189 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3190 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3191 ...
2074 3192
2075=head2 EXAMPLES 3193=head2 EXAMPLES
2076 3194
2077For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3195For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2078verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3196verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2081interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3199interface) 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 3200will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2083file. 3201file.
2084 3202
2085The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3203The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3204that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 3205
3206 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3207 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3208 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3209 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3210 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3211 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3212 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3213 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3214 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 3215
2093 #include "ev++.h" 3216 #include "ev++.h"
2094 3217
2095And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3218And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2096 3219
2097 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3220 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2098 #include "ev.c" 3221 #include "ev.c"
3222
3223
3224=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3225
3226=head2 THREADS
3227
3228Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3229means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3230only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3231parameter.
3232
3233Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3234parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3235done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3236thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3237per loop).
3238
3239If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3240without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3241help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3242
3243=over 4
3244
3245=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3246in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3247
3248This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3249themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3250
3251=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3252
3253Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3254exists, but it is always a good start.
3255
3256=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3257loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3258
3259Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3260better than you currently do :-)
3261
3262=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3263event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3264threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3265
3266=back
3267
3268=head2 COROUTINES
3269
3270Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3271libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3272coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3273different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3274loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3275you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3276
3277Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3278state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3279switches.
2099 3280
2100 3281
2101=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3282=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2102 3283
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3284In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3285libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3286documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 3287
3288All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3289extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3290happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3291mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3292it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3293
2107=over 4 3294=over 4
2108 3295
2109=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3296=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2110 3297
3298This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3299there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3300have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3301
2111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3302=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2112 3303
3304That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3305as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3306
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3307=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2114 3308
3309These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3310
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3311=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2116 3312
2117=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 3313=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2118 3314
3315These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3316correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3317have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3318
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3319=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3320
3321By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3322fixed position in the storage array.
2120 3323
2121=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3324=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2122 3325
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3326A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3327libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3328on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3329
3330=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3331
3332=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3333
3334Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3335priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3336linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3337watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3338
3339=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3340
3341=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3342
3343=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3344
3345Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3346calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3347involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2124 3348
2125=back 3349=back
2126 3350
2127 3351
3352=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3353
3354Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3355requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3356model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3357the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3358descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3359e.g. cygwin.
3360
3361Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3362re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3363things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3364way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3365
3366There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3367embedding it into other applications.
3368
3369Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3370accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3371either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3372so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3373megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3374available).
3375
3376Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3377the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3378is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3379more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3380different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3381notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3382(Microsoft monopoly games).
3383
3384A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3385section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3386of F<ev.h>:
3387
3388 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3389 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3390
3391 #include "ev.h"
3392
3393And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3394you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3395
3396 #include "evwrap.h"
3397 #include "ev.c"
3398
3399=over 4
3400
3401=item The winsocket select function
3402
3403The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3404requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3405also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3406requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3407C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3408discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3409C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3410
3411The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3412libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3413
3414 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3415 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3416
3417Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3418complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3419
3420=item Limited number of file descriptors
3421
3422Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3423
3424Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3425of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3426can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3427recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3428previous thread in each. Great).
3429
3430Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3431to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3432call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3433select emulation on windows).
3434
3435Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3436libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3437or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3438C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3439arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3440libraries.
3441
3442This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3443windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3444wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3445calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3446
3447=back
3448
3449
3450=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3451
3452In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3453additional extensions:
3454
3455=over 4
3456
3457=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3458calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3459
3460Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3461structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3462assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3463callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3464calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3465
3466=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3467
3468The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3469C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3470threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3471believed to be sufficiently portable.
3472
3473=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3474
3475Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3476allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3477pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3478thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3479be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3480C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3481
3482The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3483except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3484well.
3485
3486=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3487
3488To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3489internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3490non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3491is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3492millions of watchers.
3493
3494=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3495
3496The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3497have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3498enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3499implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3500
3501=back
3502
3503If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3504
3505
3506=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3507
3508Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3509lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3510scared by this.
3511
3512However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3513has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3514warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3515targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3516
3517Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3518workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3519maintainable.
3520
3521And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3522wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3523seems to warn about).
3524
3525While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3526"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3527with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3528them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3529warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3530
3531
3532=head1 VALGRIND
3533
3534Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3535highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3536
3537If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3538in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3539
3540 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3541 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3542 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3543
3544Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3545valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3546might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3547
3548If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3549with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3550a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3551no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3552properly.
3553
3554If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3555I suggest using suppression lists.
3556
3557
2128=head1 AUTHOR 3558=head1 AUTHOR
2129 3559
2130Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3560Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2131 3561

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