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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.
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=head1 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
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
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
283 320
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 322
286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but 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 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
289either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
290 330
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will 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 333(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 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
296 336
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please 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 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
300 340
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 342
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 346it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 347unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 348C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
349system like NetBSD.
350
351You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
352only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
353the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
309 354
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 355It 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 356kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 357course). 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 358cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
314incident, so its best to avoid that. 359two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
360drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
315 361
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 362=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 363
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 364This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
319 365
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 366=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 367
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 368This 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)). 369it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324 370
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 371Please 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 372notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available. 373blocking when no data (or space) is available.
328 374
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 375=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 376
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 419Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 420etc.). 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 421sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 422responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 423calling 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 424the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 425for example).
426
427Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
428this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
429would need to be stopped manually.
430
431In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
432rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
433pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
434C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 435
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 436=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 437
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 438Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 439earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
408 463
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 464Like 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 465C<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. 466after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 467
468=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
469
470Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
471the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
472happily wraps around with enough iterations.
473
474This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
475"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
476C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
477
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 478=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 479
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 480Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 481use.
417 482
419 484
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 485Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 486received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 487change 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 488time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 489event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 490
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 491=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 492
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 493Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 494after 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 515libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 516usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 517
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 518Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 519
520 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 521 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 522 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 523 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 524 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 525 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 526 - Calculate for how long to block.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 527 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 578Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 579
514 ev_ref (loop); 580 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 581 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
516 582
583=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
584
585=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
586
587These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
588for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
589invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
590
591Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
592allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
593increase efficiency of loop iterations.
594
595The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
596handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
597the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
598events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
599overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
600
601By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
602time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
603at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
604C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
605introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
606
607Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
608to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
609latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
610will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
611any overhead in libev.
612
613Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
614interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
615interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
616usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
617as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
618
517=back 619=back
518 620
519 621
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 622=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
521 623
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 802=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 803
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 804Returns 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 805events 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 806is 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 807C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 808make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
809it).
707 810
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 811=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 812
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 813Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 814
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 815=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 816
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 817Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 818(modulo threads).
819
820=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
821
822=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
823
824Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
825integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
826(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
827before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
828from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
829
830This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
831invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
832example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
833watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
834
835If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
836you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
837
838You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
839pending.
840
841The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
842always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
843
844Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
845fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
846or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
847
848=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
849
850Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
851C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
852can deal with that fact.
853
854=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
855
856If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
857and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
858watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 859
717=back 860=back
718 861
719 862
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 863=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 969it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
827C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 970C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 971
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 972If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
830play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 973play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
831wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 974whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
832such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 975such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 976its own, so its quite safe to use).
977
978=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
979
980Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
981descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
982such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
983descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
984this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
985registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
986fact, a different file descriptor.
987
988To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
989the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
990will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
991it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
992you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
993descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
994
995This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
996the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
997optimisations to libev.
998
999=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1000
1001Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1002but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1003have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1004file descriptor might actually receive events.
1005
1006There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1007for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1008C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1009
1010=head3 The special problem of fork
1011
1012Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1013useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1014it in the child.
1015
1016To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1017C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1018enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1019C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1020
1021
1022=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
834 1023
835=over 4 1024=over 4
836 1025
837=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1026=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
838 1027
892 1081
893The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1082The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
894but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1083but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
895order of execution is undefined. 1084order of execution is undefined.
896 1085
1086=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1087
897=over 4 1088=over 4
898 1089
899=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1090=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
900 1091
901=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1092=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1105=item ev_timer_again (loop)
915 1106
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1107This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 1108repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 1109
1110If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1111
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1112If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 1113
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1114If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1115C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1116
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1117This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1118example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
926idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1119timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
927say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1120seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
928this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1121configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
929C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1122C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
930you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1123you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
931socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1124socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1125automatically restart it if need be.
933 1126
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1127That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1128altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1129
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1130 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1132 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1133 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1135 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1136 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1137 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1138
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1139This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1140you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1141
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1142=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1143
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1144The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
952or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1145or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
994but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1187but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
995to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1188to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
996periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1189periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
997+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1190+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
998take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1191take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
999roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1192roughly 10 seconds later).
1000again).
1001 1193
1002They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1194They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1003triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1195triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1196rules.
1004 1197
1005As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1198As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1006time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1199time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1007during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1200during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1008 1201
1202=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1203
1009=over 4 1204=over 4
1010 1205
1011=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1206=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1012 1207
1013=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1208=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1015Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1210Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1016operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1211operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1017 1212
1018=over 4 1213=over 4
1019 1214
1020=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1215=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1021 1216
1022In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1217In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1023C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1218C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1024that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1219that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1025system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1220system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1026 1221
1027=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1222=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1028 1223
1029In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1224In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1030C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1225C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1031of any time jumps. 1226and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1032 1227
1033This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1228This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1034time: 1229time:
1035 1230
1036 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1231 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1042 1237
1043Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1238Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1044C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1239C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1045time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1240time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1046 1241
1242For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1243C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1244this value.
1245
1047=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1246=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1048 1247
1049In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1248In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1050ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1249ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1051reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1250reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1052current time as second argument. 1251current time as second argument.
1053 1252
1054NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1253NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1055ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1254ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1056return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1255return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1057starting a prepare watcher). 1256starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1058 1257
1059Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1258Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1060ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1259ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1061 1260
1062 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1261 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1085Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1284Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1086when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1285when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1087a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1286a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1088program when the crontabs have changed). 1287program when the crontabs have changed).
1089 1288
1289=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1290
1291When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1292absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1293
1294Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1295timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1296
1090=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1297=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1091 1298
1092The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1299The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1093take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1300take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1094called. 1301called.
1096=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1303=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1097 1304
1098The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1305The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1099switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1306switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1100the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1307the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1308
1309=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1310
1311When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1312trigger next.
1101 1313
1102=back 1314=back
1103 1315
1104Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1316Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1105system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1317system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1147with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1359with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1148as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1360as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1149watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1361watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1150SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1362SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1151 1363
1364=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1365
1152=over 4 1366=over 4
1153 1367
1154=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1368=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1155 1369
1156=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1370=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1167 1381
1168=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1382=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1169 1383
1170Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1384Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1171some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1385some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1386
1387=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1172 1388
1173=over 4 1389=over 4
1174 1390
1175=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1391=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1176 1392
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1437not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1222not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1438not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1223otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1439otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1440the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1225 1441
1442The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1443relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1444
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1445Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1227calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1446calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1228can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1447can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1448a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1230unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1449unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1231five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1450five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1232impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1451impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1234 1453
1235This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1454This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1236as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1455as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1237resource-intensive. 1456resource-intensive.
1238 1457
1239At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1458At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1240if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1459implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1460reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1461semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1462to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1463usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1464polling.
1465
1466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1241 1467
1242=over 4 1468=over 4
1243 1469
1244=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1470=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1245 1471
1309 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1535 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1310 1536
1311 1537
1312=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1538=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1313 1539
1314Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1540Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1315(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1541priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1316as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1542count).
1317imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1543
1318watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1544That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1545(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1546triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1547are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1319until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1548iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1320busy. 1549and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1321 1550
1322The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1551The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1323active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1552active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1324 1553
1325Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1554Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1326effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1555effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1327"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1556"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1328event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1557event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1329 1560
1330=over 4 1561=over 4
1331 1562
1332=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1563=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1333 1564
1391with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1622with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1392of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1623of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1393loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1624loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1394low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1625low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1395 1626
1627It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1628priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1629after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1630too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1631supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1632did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1633(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1634state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1635coexist peacefully with others).
1636
1637=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1638
1396=over 4 1639=over 4
1397 1640
1398=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1641=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1399 1642
1400=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1643=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1403parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1646parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1404macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1647macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1405 1648
1406=back 1649=back
1407 1650
1408Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1651There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1409and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1652into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1653(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1654use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1655embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1656into the Glib event loop).
1657
1658Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1410in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1659and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1411pseudo-code only of course: 1660is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1661priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1662the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1412 1663
1413 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1664 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1414 static ev_timer tw; 1665 static ev_timer tw;
1415 1666
1416 static void 1667 static void
1417 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1668 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1418 { 1669 {
1419 // set the relevant poll flags
1420 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1421 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1422 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1423 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1424 } 1670 }
1425 1671
1426 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1672 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1427 static void 1673 static void
1428 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1674 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1429 { 1675 {
1430 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1676 int timeout = 3600000;
1677 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1431 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1678 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1432 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1679 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1433 1680
1434 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1681 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1435 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1682 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1436 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1683 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1437 1684
1438 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1685 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1439 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1686 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1440 { 1687 {
1441 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1688 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1442 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1689 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1443 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1690 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1444 1691
1445 fds [i].revents = 0; 1692 fds [i].revents = 0;
1446 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1447 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1693 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1448 } 1694 }
1449 } 1695 }
1450 1696
1451 // stop all watchers after blocking 1697 // stop all watchers after blocking
1453 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1699 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1454 { 1700 {
1455 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1701 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1456 1702
1457 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1703 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1704 {
1705 // set the relevant poll flags
1706 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1707 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1708 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1709 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1710 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1711
1712 // now stop the watcher
1458 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1713 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1714 }
1459 1715
1460 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1716 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1717 }
1718
1719Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1720in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1721
1722Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1723notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1724callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1725
1726 static void
1727 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1728 {
1729 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1730 update_now (EV_A);
1731
1732 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1733 }
1734
1735 static void
1736 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1737 {
1738 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1739 update_now (EV_A);
1740
1741 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1742 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1743 }
1744
1745 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1746
1747Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1748want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1749their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1750loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1751this.
1752
1753 static gint
1754 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1755 {
1756 int got_events = 0;
1757
1758 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1759 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1760
1761 if (timeout >= 0)
1762 // create/start timer
1763
1764 // poll
1765 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1766
1767 // stop timer again
1768 if (timeout >= 0)
1769 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1770
1771 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1772 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1773 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1774
1775 return got_events;
1461 } 1776 }
1462 1777
1463 1778
1464=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1779=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1465 1780
1529 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1844 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1530 } 1845 }
1531 else 1846 else
1532 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1847 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1533 1848
1849=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1850
1534=over 4 1851=over 4
1535 1852
1536=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1853=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1537 1854
1538=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1855=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1547 1864
1548Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1865Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1549similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1866similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1550apropriate way for embedded loops. 1867apropriate way for embedded loops.
1551 1868
1552=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1869=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1553 1870
1554The embedded event loop. 1871The embedded event loop.
1555 1872
1556=back 1873=back
1557 1874
1564event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1881event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1565and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1882and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1566C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1883C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1567handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1884handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1568 1885
1886=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1887
1569=over 4 1888=over 4
1570 1889
1571=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1890=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1572 1891
1573Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1892Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1669 1988
1670To use it, 1989To use it,
1671 1990
1672 #include <ev++.h> 1991 #include <ev++.h>
1673 1992
1674(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1993This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1675and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1994of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1676namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1995put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1996options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1677 1997
1678It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1998Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1679C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1999classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2000that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2001you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2002
2003Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2004used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2005need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2006types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2007it).
1680 2008
1681Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2009Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1682 2010
1683=over 4 2011=over 4
1684 2012
1700 2028
1701All of those classes have these methods: 2029All of those classes have these methods:
1702 2030
1703=over 4 2031=over 4
1704 2032
1705=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2033=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1706 2034
1707=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2035=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1708 2036
1709=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2037=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1710 2038
1711The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2039The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1712the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2040with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1713C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2041
1714before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2042The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1715automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2043C<set> method before starting it.
2044
2045It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2046method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2047
2048(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2049not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1716 2050
1717The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2051The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2052
2053=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2054
2055This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2056signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2057first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2058parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2059
2060This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2061the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2062callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2063your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2064thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2065
2066Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2067
2068 struct myclass
2069 {
2070 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2071 }
2072
2073 myclass obj;
2074 ev::io iow;
2075 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2076
2077=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2078
2079Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2080callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2081C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2082
2083The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2084
2085See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2086
2087Example:
2088
2089 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2090 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1718 2091
1719=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2092=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1720 2093
1721Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2094Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1722do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2095do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1723 2096
1724=item w->set ([args]) 2097=item w->set ([args])
1725 2098
1726Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2099Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1727called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2100called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1728automatically stopped and restarted. 2101automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2102method.
1729 2103
1730=item w->start () 2104=item w->start ()
1731 2105
1732Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2106Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1733constructor already takes the loop. 2107constructor already stores the event loop.
1734 2108
1735=item w->stop () 2109=item w->stop ()
1736 2110
1737Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2111Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1738 2112
1739=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2113=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1740 2114
1741For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2115For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1742C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2116C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1743 2117
1744=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2118=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1745 2119
1746Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2120Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1747 2121
1748=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2122=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1749 2123
1750Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2124Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1751 2125
1752=back 2126=back
1753 2127
1763 2137
1764 myclass (); 2138 myclass ();
1765 } 2139 }
1766 2140
1767 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2141 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1768 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1769 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1770 { 2142 {
2143 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2144 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2145
1771 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2146 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1772 } 2147 }
1773 2148
1774 2149
1775=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2150=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1776 2151
1777Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2152Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1778C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2153of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1779callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2154functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1780 2155
1781To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2156To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1782following macros are defined: 2157following macros are defined:
1783 2158
1784=over 4 2159=over 4
1816Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2191Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1817loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2192loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1818 2193
1819=back 2194=back
1820 2195
1821Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2196Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1822wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2197macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2198or not.
1823 2199
1824 static void 2200 static void
1825 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2201 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1826 { 2202 {
1827 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2203 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1830 ev_check check; 2206 ev_check check;
1831 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2207 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1832 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2208 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1833 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2209 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1834 2210
1835
1836=head1 EMBEDDING 2211=head1 EMBEDDING
1837 2212
1838Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2213Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1839applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2214applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1840Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2215Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1841and rxvt-unicode. 2216and rxvt-unicode.
1842 2217
1843The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2218The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1844source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2219source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1845you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2220you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1846libev somewhere in your source tree). 2221libev somewhere in your source tree).
1847 2222
1848=head2 FILESETS 2223=head2 FILESETS
1879 ev_vars.h 2254 ev_vars.h
1880 ev_wrap.h 2255 ev_wrap.h
1881 2256
1882 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2257 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1883 2258
1884 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2259 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1885 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2260 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1886 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2261 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1887 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2262 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1888 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2263 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1889 2264
1938 2313
1939If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1940monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2315monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1941of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2316of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1942usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2317usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1943the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2318the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1944to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2319to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1945function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2320function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1946 2321
1947=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2322=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1948 2323
1949If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2324If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1950realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2325realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1951runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2326runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1952be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2327be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1953(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2328(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1954in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2329note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2330
2331=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2332
2333If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2334and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1955 2335
1956=item EV_USE_SELECT 2336=item EV_USE_SELECT
1957 2337
1958If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2338If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1959C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2339C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2014 2394
2015=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2395=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2016 2396
2017reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2397reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2018 2398
2399=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2400
2401If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2402interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2403be detected at runtime.
2404
2019=item EV_H 2405=item EV_H
2020 2406
2021The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2407The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2022undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2408undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2023can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2409can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2046will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2432will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2047additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2433additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2048for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2434for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2049argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2435argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2050 2436
2437=item EV_MINPRI
2438
2439=item EV_MAXPRI
2440
2441The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2442C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2443provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2444to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2445
2446When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2447all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2448and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2449fine.
2450
2451If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2452C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2453
2051=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2454=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2052 2455
2053If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2456If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2054defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2457defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2055code. 2458code.
2056 2459
2460=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2461
2462If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2463defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2464code.
2465
2057=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2466=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2058 2467
2059If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2468If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2060defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2469defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2061 2470
2078=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2487=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2079 2488
2080C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2489C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2081pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2490pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2082than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2491than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2083increase this value. 2492increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2493
2494=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2495
2496C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2497inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2498usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2499watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2500two).
2084 2501
2085=item EV_COMMON 2502=item EV_COMMON
2086 2503
2087By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2504By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2088this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2505this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2101 2518
2102=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2519=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2103 2520
2104Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2521Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2105and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2522and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2106definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2523definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2107their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2524their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2108avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2525avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2109method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2526method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2527
2528=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2529
2530If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2531exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2532all public symbols, one per line:
2533
2534 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2535 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2536
2537This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2538multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2539itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2540
2541A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2542include before including F<ev.h>:
2543
2544 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2545
2546This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2547
2548 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2549 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2550 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2551 ...
2110 2552
2111=head2 EXAMPLES 2553=head2 EXAMPLES
2112 2554
2113For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2555For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2114verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2556verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2117interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2559interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2118will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2560will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2119file. 2561file.
2120 2562
2121The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2563The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2122that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2564that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2123 2565
2566 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2124 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2567 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2125 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2568 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2126 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2569 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2570 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2571 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2127 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2572 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2573 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2574 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2128 2575
2129 #include "ev++.h" 2576 #include "ev++.h"
2130 2577
2131And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2578And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2132 2579
2138 2585
2139In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2586In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2140libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2587libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2141documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2588documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2142 2589
2590All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2591extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2592happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2593mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2594it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2595
2143=over 4 2596=over 4
2144 2597
2145=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2598=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2146 2599
2600This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2601there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2602have to skip those 100 watchers.
2603
2147=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2604=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2148 2605
2606That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2607as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2608
2149=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2609=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2150 2610
2611These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2151=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2612=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2152 2613
2153=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2614=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2615
2616These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2617correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2618have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2154 2619
2155=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2620=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2156 2621
2157=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2622=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2158 2623
2624A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2625libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2626
2159=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2627=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2160 2628
2629=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2630
2631Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2632priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2633linearly search all the priorities.
2634
2161=back 2635=back
2162 2636
2163 2637
2164=head1 AUTHOR 2638=head1 AUTHOR
2165 2639

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