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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
79L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
80for example). 85for example).
81 86
82=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
83 88
84Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
85be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
86various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
87this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
88loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
89(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
90 95
91=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
92 97
93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
96called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
97to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
98it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
99 106
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101 108
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way. 110library in any way.
108 115
109Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
110C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
111you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
112 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
113=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
114 127
115=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 129
117You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
120symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
123Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 142not a problem.
127 143
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 145version.
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
164 180
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 182
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 184
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
174 191
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
177or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
178 195
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
266useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
267around bugs. 284around bugs.
268 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 307
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
274using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
275the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration.
276 320
277=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
278 322
279And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
280select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
281number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips.
283 329
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 331
286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
288O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
289either O(1) or O(active_fds). 335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup.
290 339
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
296 345
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
300 349
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
353
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far.
356
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 358
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD.
366
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
309 370
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
313extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
314incident, so its best to avoid that. 375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
385sockets.
315 386
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 388
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
391and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
392immensely.
319 393
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 395
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324 398
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
326notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available. 401blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better.
328 407
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 409
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
332with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
334 415
335=back 416=back
336 417
337If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
338backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
375sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 460for example).
461
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
464would need to be stopped manually.
465
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 470
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 472
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
408 498
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
512
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 514
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 516use.
417 517
419 519
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 520Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
423time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 525
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 527
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 552
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 554
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 561 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 566 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
463 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
464 - Queue all outstanding timers. 569 - Queue all outstanding timers.
465 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 570 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
466 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
467 - Queue all check watchers. 572 - Queue all check watchers.
468 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
469 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
470 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
471 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
472 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 577 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
578 continue with step *.
473 579
474Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 580Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
475anymore. 581anymore.
476 582
477 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 583 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
478 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
479 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
483 589
484Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
485has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
486C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
487C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594
595This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
488 596
489=item ev_ref (loop) 597=item ev_ref (loop)
490 598
491=item ev_unref (loop) 599=item ev_unref (loop)
492 600
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 620Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 621
514 ev_ref (loop); 622 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 623 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
516 624
625=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
626
627=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628
629These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
630for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
631invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
632
633Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
634allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
635increase efficiency of loop iterations.
636
637The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
638handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
639the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
640events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
641overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
642
643By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
644time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
645at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
646C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
647introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
648
649Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
650to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
651latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
652will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
653any overhead in libev.
654
655Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
656interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
657interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
658usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
659as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
660
517=back 661=back
518 662
519 663
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 664=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
521 665
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 844=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 845
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 846Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 847events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 848is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 849C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 850make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
851it).
707 852
708=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 853=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 854
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 855Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 856
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 857=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 858
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 859Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 860(modulo threads).
861
862=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
863
864=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
865
866Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
867integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
868(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
869before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
870from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
871
872This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
873invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
874example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
875watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
876
877If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
878you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
879
880You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
881pending.
882
883The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
884always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
885
886Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
887fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
888or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
889
890=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
891
892Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
893C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
894can deal with that fact.
895
896=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
897
898If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
899and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
900watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 901
717=back 902=back
718 903
719 904
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 905=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
741 { 926 {
742 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 927 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
743 ... 928 ...
744 } 929 }
745 930
746More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 931More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
747have been omitted.... 932instead have been omitted.
933
934Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
935watchers:
936
937 struct my_biggy
938 {
939 int some_data;
940 ev_timer t1;
941 ev_timer t2;
942 }
943
944In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
945you need to use C<offsetof>:
946
947 #include <stddef.h>
948
949 static void
950 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
954 }
955
956 static void
957 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
958 {
959 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
960 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
961 }
748 962
749 963
750=head1 WATCHER TYPES 964=head1 WATCHER TYPES
751 965
752This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 966This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
776In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 990In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
777fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 991fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
778descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 992descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
779required if you know what you are doing). 993required if you know what you are doing).
780 994
781You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
782(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
783descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
784to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
785the same underlying "file open").
786
787If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 995If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
788(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 996(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
789C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 997C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
790 998
791Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 999Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
797it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1005it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
798C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1006C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
799 1007
800If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1008If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
801play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1009play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
802wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1010whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
803such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1011such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
804its own, so its quite safe to use). 1012its own, so its quite safe to use).
1013
1014=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1015
1016Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1017descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1018such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1019descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1020this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1021registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1022fact, a different file descriptor.
1023
1024To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1025the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1026will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1027it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1028you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1029descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1030
1031This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1032the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1033optimisations to libev.
1034
1035=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1036
1037Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1038but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1039have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1040events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1041
1042There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1043for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1044C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1045
1046=head3 The special problem of fork
1047
1048Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1049useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1050it in the child.
1051
1052To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1053C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1054enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1055C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1056
1057
1058=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
805 1059
806=over 4 1060=over 4
807 1061
808=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1062=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
809 1063
820=item int events [read-only] 1074=item int events [read-only]
821 1075
822The events being watched. 1076The events being watched.
823 1077
824=back 1078=back
1079
1080=head3 Examples
825 1081
826Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1082Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
827readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1083readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
828attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1084attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
829 1085
863 1119
864The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1120The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
865but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1121but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
866order of execution is undefined. 1122order of execution is undefined.
867 1123
1124=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1125
868=over 4 1126=over 4
869 1127
870=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1128=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
871 1129
872=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1130=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
885=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1143=item ev_timer_again (loop)
886 1144
887This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1145This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
888repeating. The exact semantics are: 1146repeating. The exact semantics are:
889 1147
1148If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1149
890If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1150If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
891 1151
892If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1152If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
893value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1153C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
894 1154
895This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1155This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
896example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1156example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
897idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1157timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
898say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1158seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
899this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1159configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
900C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1160C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
901you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1161you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
902socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1162socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
903need be. 1163automatically restart it if need be.
904 1164
905You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1165That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
906and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1166altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
907 1167
908 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1168 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
909 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1169 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
910 ... 1170 ...
911 timer->again = 17.; 1171 timer->again = 17.;
912 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1172 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
913 ... 1173 ...
914 timer->again = 10.; 1174 timer->again = 10.;
915 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1175 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
916 1176
917This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1177This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
918to modify its timeout value. 1178you want to modify its timeout value.
919 1179
920=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1180=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
921 1181
922The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1182The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
923or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1183or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
924which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1184which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
925 1185
926=back 1186=back
1187
1188=head3 Examples
927 1189
928Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1190Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
929 1191
930 static void 1192 static void
931 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1193 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1227but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
966to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1228to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
967periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1229periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
968+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1230+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
969take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1231take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
970roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1232roughly 10 seconds later).
971again).
972 1233
973They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1234They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
974triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1235triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1236rules.
975 1237
976As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1238As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
977time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1239time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
978during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1240during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
979 1241
1242=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1243
980=over 4 1244=over 4
981 1245
982=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1246=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
983 1247
984=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1248=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
986Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1250Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
987operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1251operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
988 1252
989=over 4 1253=over 4
990 1254
991=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1255=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1256
993In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1257In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
994C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1258C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
995that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1259that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
996system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1260system time reaches or surpasses this time.
997 1261
998=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1262=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
999 1263
1000In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1264In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1001C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1265C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1002of any time jumps. 1266and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1003 1267
1004This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1268This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1005time: 1269time:
1006 1270
1007 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1271 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1013 1277
1014Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1278Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1015C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1279C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1016time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1280time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1017 1281
1282For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1283C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1284this value.
1285
1018=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1286=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1019 1287
1020In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1288In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1021ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1289ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1022reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1290reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1023current time as second argument. 1291current time as second argument.
1024 1292
1025NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1293NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1026ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1294ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1027return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1295return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1028starting a prepare watcher). 1296starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1029 1297
1030Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1298Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1031ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1299ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1032 1300
1033 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1301 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1056Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1324Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1057when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1325when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1058a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1326a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1059program when the crontabs have changed). 1327program when the crontabs have changed).
1060 1328
1329=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1330
1331When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1332absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1333
1334Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1335timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1336
1061=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1337=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1062 1338
1063The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1339The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1064take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1340take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1065called. 1341called.
1068 1344
1069The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1345The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1070switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1346switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1071the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1347the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1072 1348
1349=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1350
1351When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1352trigger next.
1353
1073=back 1354=back
1355
1356=head3 Examples
1074 1357
1075Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1358Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1076system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1359system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1077potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1360potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1078 1361
1118with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1401with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1119as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1402as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1120watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1403watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1121SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1404SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1122 1405
1406=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1407
1123=over 4 1408=over 4
1124 1409
1125=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1410=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1126 1411
1127=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1412=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1138 1423
1139=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1424=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1140 1425
1141Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1426Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1142some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1427some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1428
1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1430
1144=over 4 1431=over 4
1145 1432
1146=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1433=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1147 1434
1167The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1454The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1168C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1455C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1169 1456
1170=back 1457=back
1171 1458
1459=head3 Examples
1460
1172Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1461Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1173 1462
1174 static void 1463 static void
1175 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1464 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1176 { 1465 {
1192not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1481not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1193not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1482not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1194otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1483otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1195the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1484the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1196 1485
1486The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1487relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1488
1197Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1489Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1198calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1490calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1199can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1491can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1200a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1492a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1201unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1493unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1202five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1494five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1203impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1495impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1205 1497
1206This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1498This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1207as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1499as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1208resource-intensive. 1500resource-intensive.
1209 1501
1210At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1502At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1211if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1503implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1504reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1505semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1506to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1507usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1508polling.
1509
1510=head3 Inotify
1511
1512When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1513available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1514change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1515when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1516
1517Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1518except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1519making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1520there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1521
1522(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1523implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1524descriptor open on the object at all times).
1525
1526=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1527
1528The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1529even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1530only support whole seconds.
1531
1532That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1533miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1534your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1535the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1536
1537The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1538the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1539(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1540is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1541systems.
1542
1543=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1212 1544
1213=over 4 1545=over 4
1214 1546
1215=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1547=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1216 1548
1252=item const char *path [read-only] 1584=item const char *path [read-only]
1253 1585
1254The filesystem path that is being watched. 1586The filesystem path that is being watched.
1255 1587
1256=back 1588=back
1589
1590=head3 Examples
1257 1591
1258Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1592Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1259 1593
1260 static void 1594 static void
1261 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1595 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1274 } 1608 }
1275 1609
1276 ... 1610 ...
1277 ev_stat passwd; 1611 ev_stat passwd;
1278 1612
1279 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1613 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1280 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1614 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1281 1615
1616Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1617miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1618one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1619C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1620
1621 static ev_stat passwd;
1622 static ev_timer timer;
1623
1624 static void
1625 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1626 {
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1628
1629 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1630 }
1631
1632 static void
1633 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1634 {
1635 /* reset the one-second timer */
1636 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1637 }
1638
1639 ...
1640 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1641 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1642 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1643
1282 1644
1283=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1645=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1284 1646
1285Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1647Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1286(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1648priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1287as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1649count).
1288imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1650
1289watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1651That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1652(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1653triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1654are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1290until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1655iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1291busy. 1656and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1292 1657
1293The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1658The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1294active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1659active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1295 1660
1296Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1661Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1297effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1662effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1298"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1663"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1299event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1664event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1300 1665
1666=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1667
1301=over 4 1668=over 4
1302 1669
1303=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1670=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1304 1671
1305Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1672Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1306kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1673kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1307believe me. 1674believe me.
1308 1675
1309=back 1676=back
1677
1678=head3 Examples
1310 1679
1311Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1680Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1312callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1681callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1313 1682
1314 static void 1683 static void
1362with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1731with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1363of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1732of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1364loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1733loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1365low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1734low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1366 1735
1736It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1737priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1738after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1739too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1740supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1741did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1742(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1743state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1744coexist peacefully with others).
1745
1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1747
1367=over 4 1748=over 4
1368 1749
1369=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1750=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1370 1751
1371=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1752=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1374parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1755parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1375macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1756macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1376 1757
1377=back 1758=back
1378 1759
1379Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1760=head3 Examples
1380and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1761
1762There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1763into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1764(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1765use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1766embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1767into the Glib event loop).
1768
1769Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1381in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1770and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1382pseudo-code only of course: 1771is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1772priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1773the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1383 1774
1384 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1775 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1385 static ev_timer tw; 1776 static ev_timer tw;
1386 1777
1387 static void 1778 static void
1388 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1779 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1389 { 1780 {
1390 // set the relevant poll flags
1391 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1392 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1393 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1394 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1395 } 1781 }
1396 1782
1397 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1783 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1398 static void 1784 static void
1399 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1785 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1400 { 1786 {
1401 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1787 int timeout = 3600000;
1788 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1402 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1789 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1403 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1790 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1404 1791
1405 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1792 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1406 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1793 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1407 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1794 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1408 1795
1409 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1796 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1410 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1797 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1411 { 1798 {
1412 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1799 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1413 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1800 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1414 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1801 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1415 1802
1416 fds [i].revents = 0; 1803 fds [i].revents = 0;
1417 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1418 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1804 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1419 } 1805 }
1420 } 1806 }
1421 1807
1422 // stop all watchers after blocking 1808 // stop all watchers after blocking
1424 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1810 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1425 { 1811 {
1426 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1812 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1427 1813
1428 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1814 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1815 {
1816 // set the relevant poll flags
1817 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1818 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1819 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1820 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1821 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1822
1823 // now stop the watcher
1429 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1824 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1825 }
1430 1826
1431 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1827 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1828 }
1829
1830Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1831in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1832
1833Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1834notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1835callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1836
1837 static void
1838 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1839 {
1840 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1841 update_now (EV_A);
1842
1843 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1844 }
1845
1846 static void
1847 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1848 {
1849 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1850 update_now (EV_A);
1851
1852 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1853 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1854 }
1855
1856 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1857
1858Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1859want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1860their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1861loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1862this.
1863
1864 static gint
1865 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1866 {
1867 int got_events = 0;
1868
1869 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1870 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1871
1872 if (timeout >= 0)
1873 // create/start timer
1874
1875 // poll
1876 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1877
1878 // stop timer again
1879 if (timeout >= 0)
1880 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1881
1882 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1883 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1884 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1885
1886 return got_events;
1432 } 1887 }
1433 1888
1434 1889
1435=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1890=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1436 1891
1479portable one. 1934portable one.
1480 1935
1481So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1936So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1482that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1937that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1483this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1938this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1484create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1939create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1940
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1942
1943=over 4
1944
1945=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1946
1947=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1948
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops.
1960
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962
1963The embedded event loop.
1964
1965=back
1966
1967=head3 Examples
1968
1969Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1970event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1971loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1972C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1973used).
1485 1974
1486 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1975 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1487 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1976 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1488 struct ev_embed embed; 1977 struct ev_embed embed;
1489 1978
1500 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1989 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1501 } 1990 }
1502 else 1991 else
1503 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1992 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1504 1993
1505=over 4 1994Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1995a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1996kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1997C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1506 1998
1507=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1999 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2000 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2001 struct ev_embed embed;
2002
2003 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2004 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2005 {
2006 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2007 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2008 }
1508 2009
1509=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2010 if (!loop_socket)
2011 loop_socket = loop;
1510 2012
1511Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2013 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1512embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1513invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1514to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1515if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1516
1517=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1518
1519Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1520similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1521apropriate way for embedded loops.
1522
1523=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1524
1525The embedded event loop.
1526
1527=back
1528 2014
1529 2015
1530=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2016=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1531 2017
1532Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2018Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1535event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2021event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1536and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2022and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1537C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2023C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1538handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2024handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1539 2025
2026=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2027
1540=over 4 2028=over 4
1541 2029
1542=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2030=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1543 2031
1544Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2032Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1640 2128
1641To use it, 2129To use it,
1642 2130
1643 #include <ev++.h> 2131 #include <ev++.h>
1644 2132
1645(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2133This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1646and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2134of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1647namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2135put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2136options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1648 2137
1649It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2138Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1650C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2139classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2140that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2141you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2142
2143Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2144used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2145need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2146types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2147it).
1651 2148
1652Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2149Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1653 2150
1654=over 4 2151=over 4
1655 2152
1671 2168
1672All of those classes have these methods: 2169All of those classes have these methods:
1673 2170
1674=over 4 2171=over 4
1675 2172
1676=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2173=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1677 2174
1678=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2175=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1679 2176
1680=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2177=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1681 2178
1682The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2179The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1683the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2180with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1684C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2181
1685before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2182The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1686automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2183C<set> method before starting it.
2184
2185It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2186method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2187
2188(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2189not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1687 2190
1688The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2191The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2192
2193=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2194
2195This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2196signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2197first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2198parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2199
2200This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2201the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2202callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2203your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2204thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2205
2206Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2207
2208 struct myclass
2209 {
2210 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2211 }
2212
2213 myclass obj;
2214 ev::io iow;
2215 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2216
2217=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2218
2219Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2220callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2221C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2222
2223The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2224
2225See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2226
2227Example:
2228
2229 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2230 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1689 2231
1690=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2232=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1691 2233
1692Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2234Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1693do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2235do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1694 2236
1695=item w->set ([args]) 2237=item w->set ([args])
1696 2238
1697Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2239Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1698called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2240called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1699automatically stopped and restarted. 2241automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2242method.
1700 2243
1701=item w->start () 2244=item w->start ()
1702 2245
1703Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2246Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1704constructor already takes the loop. 2247constructor already stores the event loop.
1705 2248
1706=item w->stop () 2249=item w->stop ()
1707 2250
1708Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2251Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1709 2252
1710=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2253=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1711 2254
1712For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2255For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1713C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2256C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1714 2257
1715=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2258=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1716 2259
1717Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2260Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1718 2261
1719=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2262=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1720 2263
1721Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2264Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1722 2265
1723=back 2266=back
1724 2267
1734 2277
1735 myclass (); 2278 myclass ();
1736 } 2279 }
1737 2280
1738 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2281 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1739 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1740 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1741 { 2282 {
2283 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2284 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2285
1742 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2286 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1743 } 2287 }
1744 2288
1745 2289
1746=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2290=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1747 2291
1748Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2292Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1749C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2293of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1750callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2294functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1751 2295
1752To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2296To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1753following macros are defined: 2297following macros are defined:
1754 2298
1755=over 4 2299=over 4
1787Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2331Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1788loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2332loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1789 2333
1790=back 2334=back
1791 2335
1792Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2336Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1793wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2337macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2338or not.
1794 2339
1795 static void 2340 static void
1796 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2341 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1797 { 2342 {
1798 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2343 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1801 ev_check check; 2346 ev_check check;
1802 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2347 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1803 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2348 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1804 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2349 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1805 2350
1806
1807=head1 EMBEDDING 2351=head1 EMBEDDING
1808 2352
1809Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2353Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1810applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2354applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1811Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2355Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1812and rxvt-unicode. 2356and rxvt-unicode.
1813 2357
1814The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2358The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1815source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2359source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1816you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2360you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1817libev somewhere in your source tree). 2361libev somewhere in your source tree).
1818 2362
1819=head2 FILESETS 2363=head2 FILESETS
1850 ev_vars.h 2394 ev_vars.h
1851 ev_wrap.h 2395 ev_wrap.h
1852 2396
1853 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2397 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1854 2398
1855 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2399 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1856 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2400 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1857 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2401 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1858 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2402 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1859 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2403 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1860 2404
1909 2453
1910If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2454If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1911monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2455monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1912of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2456of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1913usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2457usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1914the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2458the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1915to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2459to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1916function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2460function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1917 2461
1918=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2462=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1919 2463
1920If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1921realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2465realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1922runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2466runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1923be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2467be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1924(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2468(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1925in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2469note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2470
2471=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2472
2473If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2474and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1926 2475
1927=item EV_USE_SELECT 2476=item EV_USE_SELECT
1928 2477
1929If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2478If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1930C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2479C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1948wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2497wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1949be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2498be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1950C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2499C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1951it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2500it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1952on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2501on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2502
2503=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2504
2505If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2506file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2507default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2508correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2509in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1953 2510
1954=item EV_USE_POLL 2511=item EV_USE_POLL
1955 2512
1956If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2513If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1957backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2514backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1985 2542
1986=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2543=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1987 2544
1988reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2545reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1989 2546
2547=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2548
2549If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2550interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2551be detected at runtime.
2552
1990=item EV_H 2553=item EV_H
1991 2554
1992The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2555The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1993undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2556undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to
1994can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2557virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1995 2558
1996=item EV_CONFIG_H 2559=item EV_CONFIG_H
1997 2560
1998If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2561If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1999F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2562F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2000C<EV_H>, above. 2563C<EV_H>, above.
2001 2564
2002=item EV_EVENT_H 2565=item EV_EVENT_H
2003 2566
2004Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2567Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2005of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2568of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
2006 2569
2007=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2570=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2008 2571
2009If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2572If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2010prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2573prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2017will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2580will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2018additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2581additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2019for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2582for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2020argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2583argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2021 2584
2585=item EV_MINPRI
2586
2587=item EV_MAXPRI
2588
2589The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2590C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2591provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2592to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2593
2594When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2595all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2596and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2597fine.
2598
2599If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2600C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2601
2022=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2602=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2023 2603
2024If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2604If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2025defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2605defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2026code. 2606code.
2027 2607
2608=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2609
2610If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2611defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2612code.
2613
2028=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2614=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2029 2615
2030If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2616If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2031defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2617defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2032 2618
2049=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2635=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2050 2636
2051C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2637C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2052pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2638pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2053than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2639than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2054increase this value. 2640increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2641
2642=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2643
2644C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2645inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2646usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2647watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2648two).
2055 2649
2056=item EV_COMMON 2650=item EV_COMMON
2057 2651
2058By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2652By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2059this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2653this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2072 2666
2073=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2667=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2074 2668
2075Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2669Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2076and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2670and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2077definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2671definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2078their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2672their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2079avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2673avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2080method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2674method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2675
2676=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2677
2678If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2679exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2680all public symbols, one per line:
2681
2682 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2683 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2684
2685This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2686multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2687itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2688
2689A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2690include before including F<ev.h>:
2691
2692 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2693
2694This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2695
2696 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2697 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2698 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2699 ...
2081 2700
2082=head2 EXAMPLES 2701=head2 EXAMPLES
2083 2702
2084For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2703For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2085verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2704verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2088interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2707interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2089will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2708will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2090file. 2709file.
2091 2710
2092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2711The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2093that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2712that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2094 2713
2714 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2095 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2715 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2096 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2716 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2097 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2717 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2718 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2719 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2098 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2720 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2721 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2722 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2099 2723
2100 #include "ev++.h" 2724 #include "ev++.h"
2101 2725
2102And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2726And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2103 2727
2109 2733
2110In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2734In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2111libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2735libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2112documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2736documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2113 2737
2738All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2739extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2740happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2741mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2742it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2743
2114=over 4 2744=over 4
2115 2745
2116=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2746=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2117 2747
2748This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2749there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2750have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2751
2118=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2752=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2753
2754That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2755as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2119 2756
2120=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2757=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2121 2758
2759These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2760
2122=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2761=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2123 2762
2124=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2763=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2125 2764
2765These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2766correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2767have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2768
2126=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2769=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2770
2771By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2772beginning of the storage array.
2127 2773
2128=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2774=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2129 2775
2130=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2776A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2777libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2778on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2779
2780=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2781
2782=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2783
2784Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2785priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2786linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2787watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2131 2788
2132=back 2789=back
2133 2790
2134 2791
2792=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2793
2794Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2795requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2796model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2797the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2798descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2799e.g. cygwin.
2800
2801There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2802embedding it into other applications.
2803
2804Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2805abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2806recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2807a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2808implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2809be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2810
2811=over 4
2812
2813=item The winsocket select function
2814
2815The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2816socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2817very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2818to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2819C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2820symbols for more info.
2821
2822The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2823libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2824
2825 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2826 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2827
2828Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2829complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2830
2831=item Limited number of file descriptors
2832
2833Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2834of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2835(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2836C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2837chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2838
2839Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2840to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2841call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2842select emulation on windows).
2843
2844Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2845libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2846or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2847C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2848arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2849libraries.
2850
2851This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2852windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2853wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2854calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2855
2856=back
2857
2858
2135=head1 AUTHOR 2859=head1 AUTHOR
2136 2860
2137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2861Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2138 2862

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