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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.
407
408On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
409backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
410embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
328 411
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 412=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 413
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 414Try 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 415with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 416C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
334 417
418It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
419
335=back 420=back
336 421
337If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 422If 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 423backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
339specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 424specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
340order of their flag values :)
341 425
342The most typical usage is like this: 426The most typical usage is like this:
343 427
344 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 428 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
345 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 429 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 457Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 458etc.). 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 459sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 460responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 461calling 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 462the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 463for example).
464
465Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
466this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
467would need to be stopped manually.
468
469In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
470rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
471pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
472C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 473
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 474=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 475
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 476Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 477earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
408 501
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 502Like 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 503C<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. 504after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 505
506=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
507
508Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
509the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
510happily wraps around with enough iterations.
511
512This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
513"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
514C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
515
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 516=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 517
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 518Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 519use.
417 520
419 522
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 523Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 524received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 525change 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 526time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 527event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 528
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 529=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 530
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 531Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 532after 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 553libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 554usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 555
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 556Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 557
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 558 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 559 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
560 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
561 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 562 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 563 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 564 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 565 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
566 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
567 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
568 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 569 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 570 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
463 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 571 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
464 - Queue all outstanding timers. 572 - Queue all outstanding timers.
465 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 573 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
466 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 574 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
467 - Queue all check watchers. 575 - Queue all check watchers.
468 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 576 - 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 577 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
470 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 578 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
471 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 579 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
472 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 580 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
581 continue with step *.
473 582
474Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 583Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
475anymore. 584anymore.
476 585
477 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 586 ... 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..) 587 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
479 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 588 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
483 592
484Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 593Can 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 594has 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 595C<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. 596C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
597
598This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
488 599
489=item ev_ref (loop) 600=item ev_ref (loop)
490 601
491=item ev_unref (loop) 602=item ev_unref (loop)
492 603
497returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 608returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
498example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 609example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
499visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 610visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
500no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 611no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
501way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 612way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
502libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 613libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
614(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
615respectively).
503 616
504Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 617Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
505running when nothing else is active. 618running when nothing else is active.
506 619
507 struct ev_signal exitsig; 620 struct ev_signal exitsig;
511 624
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 625Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 626
514 ev_ref (loop); 627 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 628 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
629
630=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
631
632=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
633
634These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
635for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
636invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
637
638Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
639allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
640increase efficiency of loop iterations.
641
642The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
643handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
644the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
645events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
646overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
647
648By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
649time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
650at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
651C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
652introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
653
654Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
655to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
656latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
657will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
658any overhead in libev.
659
660Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
661interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
662interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
663usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
664as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
516 665
517=back 666=back
518 667
519 668
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 669=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 849=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 850
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 851Returns 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 852events 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 853is 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 854C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 855make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
856it).
707 857
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 858=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 859
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 860Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 861
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 862=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 863
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 864Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 865(modulo threads).
866
867=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
868
869=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
870
871Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
872integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
873(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
874before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
875from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
876
877This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
878invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
879example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
880watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
881
882If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
883you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
884
885You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
886pending.
887
888The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
889always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
890
891Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
892fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
893or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
894
895=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
896
897Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
898C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
899can deal with that fact.
900
901=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
902
903If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
904and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
905watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 906
717=back 907=back
718 908
719 909
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 910=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
805In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 995In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
806fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 996fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
807descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 997descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
808required if you know what you are doing). 998required if you know what you are doing).
809 999
810You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
811(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
812descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
813to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
814the same underlying "file open").
815
816If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1000If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
817(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1001(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
818C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1002C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
819 1003
820Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1004Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1010it 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. 1011C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 1012
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1013If 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 1014play 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 1015whether 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 1016such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 1017its own, so its quite safe to use).
1018
1019=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1020
1021Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1022descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1023such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1024descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1025this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1026registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1027fact, a different file descriptor.
1028
1029To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1030the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1031will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1032it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1033you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1034descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1035
1036This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1037the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1038optimisations to libev.
1039
1040=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1041
1042Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1043but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1044have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1045events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1046
1047There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1048for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1049C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1050
1051=head3 The special problem of fork
1052
1053Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1054useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1055it in the child.
1056
1057To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1058C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1059enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1060C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1061
1062
1063=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
834 1064
835=over 4 1065=over 4
836 1066
837=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1067=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
838 1068
849=item int events [read-only] 1079=item int events [read-only]
850 1080
851The events being watched. 1081The events being watched.
852 1082
853=back 1083=back
1084
1085=head3 Examples
854 1086
855Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1087Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
856readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1088readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
857attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1089attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
858 1090
892 1124
893The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1125The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
894but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1126but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
895order of execution is undefined. 1127order of execution is undefined.
896 1128
1129=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1130
897=over 4 1131=over 4
898 1132
899=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1133=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
900 1134
901=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1135=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1148=item ev_timer_again (loop)
915 1149
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1150This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 1151repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 1152
1153If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1154
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1155If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 1156
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1157If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1158C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1159
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1160This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1161example: 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, 1162timeout, 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 1163seconds 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 1164configure 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 1165C<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 1166you 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 1167socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1168automatically restart it if need be.
933 1169
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1170That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1171altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1172
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1173 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1174 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1175 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1176 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1177 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1178 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1179 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1180 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1181
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1182This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1183you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1184
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1185=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1186
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1187The 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), 1188or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
953which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1189which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
954 1190
955=back 1191=back
1192
1193=head3 Examples
956 1194
957Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1195Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
958 1196
959 static void 1197 static void
960 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1198 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
994but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1232but 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 1233to 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 () 1234periodic 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 1235+ 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 1236take 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 1237roughly 10 seconds later).
1000again).
1001 1238
1002They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1239They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1003triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1240triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1241rules.
1004 1242
1005As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1243As 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 1244time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1007during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1245during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1008 1246
1247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1248
1009=over 4 1249=over 4
1010 1250
1011=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1251=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1012 1252
1013=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1253=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 1255Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1016operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1256operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1017 1257
1018=over 4 1258=over 4
1019 1259
1020=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1260=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1021 1261
1022In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1262In 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, 1263C<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 1264that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1025system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1265system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1026 1266
1027=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1267=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1028 1268
1029In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1269In 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 1270C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1031of any time jumps. 1271and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1032 1272
1033This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1273This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1034time: 1274time:
1035 1275
1036 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1276 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1042 1282
1043Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1283Another 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 1284C<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. 1285time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1046 1286
1287For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1288C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1289this value.
1290
1047=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1291=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1048 1292
1049In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1293In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1050ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1294ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1051reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1295reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1052current time as second argument. 1296current time as second argument.
1053 1297
1054NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1298NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1055ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1299ever, 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 1300return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1057starting a prepare watcher). 1301starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1058 1302
1059Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1303Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1060ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1304ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1061 1305
1062 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1306 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1085Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1329Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1086when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1330when 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 1331a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1088program when the crontabs have changed). 1332program when the crontabs have changed).
1089 1333
1334=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1335
1336When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1337absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1338
1339Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1340timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1341
1090=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1342=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1091 1343
1092The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1344The 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 1345take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1094called. 1346called.
1097 1349
1098The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1350The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1099switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1351switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1100the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1352the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1101 1353
1354=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1355
1356When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1357trigger next.
1358
1102=back 1359=back
1360
1361=head3 Examples
1103 1362
1104Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1363Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1105system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1364system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1106potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1365potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1107 1366
1147with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1406with 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 1407as 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 1408watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1150SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1409SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1151 1410
1411=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1412
1152=over 4 1413=over 4
1153 1414
1154=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1415=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1155 1416
1156=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1417=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1167 1428
1168=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1429=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1169 1430
1170Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1431Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1171some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1432some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1433
1434=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1172 1435
1173=over 4 1436=over 4
1174 1437
1175=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1438=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1176 1439
1196The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1459The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1197C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1460C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1198 1461
1199=back 1462=back
1200 1463
1464=head3 Examples
1465
1201Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1466Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1202 1467
1203 static void 1468 static void
1204 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1469 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1205 { 1470 {
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1486not 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 1487not 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 1488otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1489the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1225 1490
1491The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1492relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1493
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1494Since 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 1495calls 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 1496can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1497a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1230unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1498unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1231five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1499five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1232impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1500impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1234 1502
1235This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1503This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1236as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1504as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1237resource-intensive. 1505resource-intensive.
1238 1506
1239At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1507At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1240if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1508implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1509reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1510semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1511to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1512usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1513polling.
1514
1515=head3 Inotify
1516
1517When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1518available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1519change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1520when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1521
1522Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1523except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1524making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1525there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1526
1527(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1528implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1529descriptor open on the object at all times).
1530
1531=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1532
1533The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1534even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1535only support whole seconds.
1536
1537That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1538miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1539your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1540the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1541
1542The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1543the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1544(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1545is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1546systems.
1547
1548=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1241 1549
1242=over 4 1550=over 4
1243 1551
1244=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1552=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1245 1553
1281=item const char *path [read-only] 1589=item const char *path [read-only]
1282 1590
1283The filesystem path that is being watched. 1591The filesystem path that is being watched.
1284 1592
1285=back 1593=back
1594
1595=head3 Examples
1286 1596
1287Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1597Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1288 1598
1289 static void 1599 static void
1290 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1600 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1303 } 1613 }
1304 1614
1305 ... 1615 ...
1306 ev_stat passwd; 1616 ev_stat passwd;
1307 1617
1308 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1618 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1309 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1619 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1310 1620
1621Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1622miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1623one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1624C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1625
1626 static ev_stat passwd;
1627 static ev_timer timer;
1628
1629 static void
1630 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1631 {
1632 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1633
1634 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1635 }
1636
1637 static void
1638 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1639 {
1640 /* reset the one-second timer */
1641 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1642 }
1643
1644 ...
1645 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1646 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1647 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1648
1311 1649
1312=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1650=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1313 1651
1314Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1652Idle 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 1653priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1316as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1654count).
1317imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1655
1318watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1656That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1657(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1658triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1659are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1319until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1660iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1320busy. 1661and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1321 1662
1322The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1663The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1323active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1664active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1324 1665
1325Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1666Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1326effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1667effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1327"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1668"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1328event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1669event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1329 1670
1671=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1672
1330=over 4 1673=over 4
1331 1674
1332=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1675=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1333 1676
1334Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1677Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1335kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1678kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1336believe me. 1679believe me.
1337 1680
1338=back 1681=back
1682
1683=head3 Examples
1339 1684
1340Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1685Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1341callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1686callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1342 1687
1343 static void 1688 static void
1391with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1736with 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 1737of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1393loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1738loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1394low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1739low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1395 1740
1741It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1742priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1743after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1744too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1745supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1746did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1747(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1748state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1749coexist peacefully with others).
1750
1751=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1752
1396=over 4 1753=over 4
1397 1754
1398=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1755=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1399 1756
1400=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1757=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1403parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1760parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1404macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1761macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1405 1762
1406=back 1763=back
1407 1764
1408Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1765=head3 Examples
1409and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1766
1767There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1768into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1769(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1770use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1771embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1772into the Glib event loop).
1773
1774Method 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 1775and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1411pseudo-code only of course: 1776is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1777priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1778the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1412 1779
1413 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1780 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1414 static ev_timer tw; 1781 static ev_timer tw;
1415 1782
1416 static void 1783 static void
1417 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1784 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1418 { 1785 {
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 } 1786 }
1425 1787
1426 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1788 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1427 static void 1789 static void
1428 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1790 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1429 { 1791 {
1430 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1792 int timeout = 3600000;
1793 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1431 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1794 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1432 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1795 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1433 1796
1434 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1797 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1435 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1798 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1436 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1799 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1437 1800
1438 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1801 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1439 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1802 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1440 { 1803 {
1441 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1804 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1442 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1805 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1443 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1806 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1444 1807
1445 fds [i].revents = 0; 1808 fds [i].revents = 0;
1446 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1447 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1809 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1448 } 1810 }
1449 } 1811 }
1450 1812
1451 // stop all watchers after blocking 1813 // stop all watchers after blocking
1453 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1815 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1454 { 1816 {
1455 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1817 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1456 1818
1457 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1819 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1820 {
1821 // set the relevant poll flags
1822 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1823 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1824 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1825 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1826 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1827
1828 // now stop the watcher
1458 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1829 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1830 }
1459 1831
1460 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1832 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1833 }
1834
1835Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1836in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1837
1838Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1839notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1840callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1841
1842 static void
1843 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1844 {
1845 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1846 update_now (EV_A);
1847
1848 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1849 }
1850
1851 static void
1852 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1853 {
1854 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1855 update_now (EV_A);
1856
1857 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1858 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1859 }
1860
1861 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1862
1863Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1864want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1865their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1866loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1867this.
1868
1869 static gint
1870 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1871 {
1872 int got_events = 0;
1873
1874 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1875 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1876
1877 if (timeout >= 0)
1878 // create/start timer
1879
1880 // poll
1881 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1882
1883 // stop timer again
1884 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1886
1887 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1888 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1889 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1890
1891 return got_events;
1461 } 1892 }
1462 1893
1463 1894
1464=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1895=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1465 1896
1508portable one. 1939portable one.
1509 1940
1510So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1941So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1511that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1942that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1512this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1943this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1513create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1944create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1945
1946=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1947
1948=over 4
1949
1950=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1951
1952=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1953
1954Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1955embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1956invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1957to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1958if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1959
1960=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1961
1962Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1963similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1964apropriate way for embedded loops.
1965
1966=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1967
1968The embedded event loop.
1969
1970=back
1971
1972=head3 Examples
1973
1974Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1975event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1976loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1977C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1978used).
1514 1979
1515 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1980 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1516 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1981 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1517 struct ev_embed embed; 1982 struct ev_embed embed;
1518 1983
1529 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1994 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1530 } 1995 }
1531 else 1996 else
1532 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1997 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1533 1998
1534=over 4 1999Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2000a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2001kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2002C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1535 2003
1536=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2004 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2005 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2006 struct ev_embed embed;
2007
2008 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2009 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2010 {
2011 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2012 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2013 }
1537 2014
1538=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2015 if (!loop_socket)
2016 loop_socket = loop;
1539 2017
1540Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2018 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1541embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1542invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1543to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1544if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1545
1546=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1547
1548Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1549similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1550apropriate way for embedded loops.
1551
1552=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1553
1554The embedded event loop.
1555
1556=back
1557 2019
1558 2020
1559=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2021=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1560 2022
1561Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2023Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1564event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2026event 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 2027and 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 2028C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1567handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2029handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1568 2030
2031=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2032
1569=over 4 2033=over 4
1570 2034
1571=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2035=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1572 2036
1573Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2037Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1669 2133
1670To use it, 2134To use it,
1671 2135
1672 #include <ev++.h> 2136 #include <ev++.h>
1673 2137
1674(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2138This 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 2139of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1676namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2140put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2141options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1677 2142
1678It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2143Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1679C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2144classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2145that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2146you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2147
2148Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2149used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2150need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2151types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2152it).
1680 2153
1681Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2154Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1682 2155
1683=over 4 2156=over 4
1684 2157
1700 2173
1701All of those classes have these methods: 2174All of those classes have these methods:
1702 2175
1703=over 4 2176=over 4
1704 2177
1705=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2178=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1706 2179
1707=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2180=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1708 2181
1709=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2182=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1710 2183
1711The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2184The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1712the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2185with. 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 2186
1714before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2187The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1715automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2188C<set> method before starting it.
2189
2190It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2191method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2192
2193(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2194not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1716 2195
1717The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2196The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2197
2198=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2199
2200This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2201signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2202first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2203parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2204
2205This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2206the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2207callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2208your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2209thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2210
2211Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2212
2213 struct myclass
2214 {
2215 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2216 }
2217
2218 myclass obj;
2219 ev::io iow;
2220 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2221
2222=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2223
2224Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2225callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2226C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2227
2228The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2229
2230See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2231
2232Example:
2233
2234 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2235 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1718 2236
1719=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2237=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1720 2238
1721Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2239Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1722do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2240do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1723 2241
1724=item w->set ([args]) 2242=item w->set ([args])
1725 2243
1726Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2244Basically 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 2245called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1728automatically stopped and restarted. 2246automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2247method.
1729 2248
1730=item w->start () 2249=item w->start ()
1731 2250
1732Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2251Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1733constructor already takes the loop. 2252constructor already stores the event loop.
1734 2253
1735=item w->stop () 2254=item w->stop ()
1736 2255
1737Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2256Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1738 2257
1739=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2258=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1740 2259
1741For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2260For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1742C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2261C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1743 2262
1744=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2263=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1745 2264
1746Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2265Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1747 2266
1748=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2267=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1749 2268
1750Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2269Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1751 2270
1752=back 2271=back
1753 2272
1763 2282
1764 myclass (); 2283 myclass ();
1765 } 2284 }
1766 2285
1767 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2286 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1768 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1769 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1770 { 2287 {
2288 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2289 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2290
1771 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2291 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1772 } 2292 }
1773 2293
1774 2294
1775=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2295=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1776 2296
1777Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2297Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1778C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2298of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1779callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2299functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1780 2300
1781To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2301To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1782following macros are defined: 2302following macros are defined:
1783 2303
1784=over 4 2304=over 4
1816Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2336Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1817loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2337loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1818 2338
1819=back 2339=back
1820 2340
1821Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2341Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1822wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2342macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2343or not.
1823 2344
1824 static void 2345 static void
1825 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2346 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1826 { 2347 {
1827 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2348 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1830 ev_check check; 2351 ev_check check;
1831 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2352 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1832 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2353 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1833 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2354 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1834 2355
1835
1836=head1 EMBEDDING 2356=head1 EMBEDDING
1837 2357
1838Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2358Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1839applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2359applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1840Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2360Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1841and rxvt-unicode. 2361and rxvt-unicode.
1842 2362
1843The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2363The 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 2364source 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 2365you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1846libev somewhere in your source tree). 2366libev somewhere in your source tree).
1847 2367
1848=head2 FILESETS 2368=head2 FILESETS
1879 ev_vars.h 2399 ev_vars.h
1880 ev_wrap.h 2400 ev_wrap.h
1881 2401
1882 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2402 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1883 2403
1884 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2404 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) 2405 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) 2406 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) 2407 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) 2408 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1889 2409
1938 2458
1939If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2459If 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 2460monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1941of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2461of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1942usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2462usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1943the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2463the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1944to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2464to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1945function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2465function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1946 2466
1947=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2467=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1948 2468
1949If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2469If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1950realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2470realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1951runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2471runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1952be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2472be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1953(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2473(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1954in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2474note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2475
2476=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2477
2478If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2479and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1955 2480
1956=item EV_USE_SELECT 2481=item EV_USE_SELECT
1957 2482
1958If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2483If 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 2484C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1977wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2502wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1978be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2503be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1979C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2504C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1980it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2505it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1981on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2506on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2507
2508=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2509
2510If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2511file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2512default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2513correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2514in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1982 2515
1983=item EV_USE_POLL 2516=item EV_USE_POLL
1984 2517
1985If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2518If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1986backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2519backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2014 2547
2015=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2548=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2016 2549
2017reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2550reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2018 2551
2552=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2553
2554If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2555interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2556be detected at runtime.
2557
2019=item EV_H 2558=item EV_H
2020 2559
2021The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2560The 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 2561undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to
2023can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2562virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2024 2563
2025=item EV_CONFIG_H 2564=item EV_CONFIG_H
2026 2565
2027If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2566If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2028F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2567F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2029C<EV_H>, above. 2568C<EV_H>, above.
2030 2569
2031=item EV_EVENT_H 2570=item EV_EVENT_H
2032 2571
2033Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2572Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2034of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2573of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
2035 2574
2036=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2575=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2037 2576
2038If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2577If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2039prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2578prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2046will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2585will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2047additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2586additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2048for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2587for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2049argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2588argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2050 2589
2590=item EV_MINPRI
2591
2592=item EV_MAXPRI
2593
2594The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2595C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2596provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2597to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2598
2599When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2600all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2601and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2602fine.
2603
2604If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2605C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2606
2051=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2607=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2052 2608
2053If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2609If 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 2610defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2055code. 2611code.
2056 2612
2613=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2614
2615If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2616defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2617code.
2618
2057=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2619=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2058 2620
2059If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2621If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2060defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2622defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2061 2623
2078=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2640=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2079 2641
2080C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2642C<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 2643pid. 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 2644than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2083increase this value. 2645increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2646
2647=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2648
2649C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2650inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2651usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2652watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2653two).
2084 2654
2085=item EV_COMMON 2655=item EV_COMMON
2086 2656
2087By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2657By 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 2658this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2101 2671
2102=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2672=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2103 2673
2104Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2674Can 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 2675and 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 2676definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2107their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2677their 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 2678avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2109method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2679method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2680
2681=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2682
2683If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2684exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2685all public symbols, one per line:
2686
2687 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2688 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2689
2690This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2691multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2692itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2693
2694A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2695include before including F<ev.h>:
2696
2697 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2698
2699This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2700
2701 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2702 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2703 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2704 ...
2110 2705
2111=head2 EXAMPLES 2706=head2 EXAMPLES
2112 2707
2113For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2708For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2114verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2709verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2117interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2712interface) 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 2713will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2119file. 2714file.
2120 2715
2121The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2716The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2122that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2717that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2123 2718
2719 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2124 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2720 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2125 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2721 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2126 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2722 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2723 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2724 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2127 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2725 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2726 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2727 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2128 2728
2129 #include "ev++.h" 2729 #include "ev++.h"
2130 2730
2131And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2731And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2132 2732
2138 2738
2139In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2739In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2140libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2740libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2141documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2741documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2142 2742
2743All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2744extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2745happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2746mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2747it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2748
2143=over 4 2749=over 4
2144 2750
2145=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2751=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2146 2752
2753This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2754there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2755have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2756
2147=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2757=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2758
2759That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2760as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2148 2761
2149=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2762=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2150 2763
2764These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2765
2151=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2766=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2152 2767
2153=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2768=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2154 2769
2770These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2771correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2772have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2773
2155=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2774=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2775
2776By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2777beginning of the storage array.
2156 2778
2157=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2779=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2158 2780
2159=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2781A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2782libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2783on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2784
2785=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2786
2787=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2788
2789Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2790priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2791linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2792watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2160 2793
2161=back 2794=back
2162 2795
2163 2796
2797=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2798
2799Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2800requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2801model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2802the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2803descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2804e.g. cygwin.
2805
2806There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2807embedding it into other applications.
2808
2809Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2810abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2811recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2812a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2813implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2814be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2815
2816=over 4
2817
2818=item The winsocket select function
2819
2820The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2821socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2822very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2823to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2824C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2825symbols for more info.
2826
2827The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2828libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2829
2830 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2831 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2832
2833Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2834complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2835
2836=item Limited number of file descriptors
2837
2838Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2839of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2840(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2841C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2842chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2843
2844Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2845to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2846call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2847select emulation on windows).
2848
2849Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2850libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2851or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2852C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2853arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2854libraries.
2855
2856This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2857windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2858wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2859calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2860
2861=back
2862
2863
2164=head1 AUTHOR 2864=head1 AUTHOR
2165 2865
2166Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2866Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2167 2867

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