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48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the 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
97called 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
98to 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
99it, 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.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
109 115
110Returns 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
111C<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
112you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
113 119
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
114=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
115 127
116=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 129
118You 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
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<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
121symbols 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
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
124Usually, 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,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 142not a problem.
128 143
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 145version.
163C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
164recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
165 180
166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
167 182
168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
169 184
170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
171identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
172memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
173allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
174action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
175 191
176You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
177free 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,
178or 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.
179 195
265C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
266override 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
267useful 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
268around bugs. 284around bugs.
269 285
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
270=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
271 307
272This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
273libev 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,
274but 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
283lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
284 320
285=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
286 322
287For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
288but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
289O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
290either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
291 330
292While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
293result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
294(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
295best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
296well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
297 336
298Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
299need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
300(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
301 340
302=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
303 342
304Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
305was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
306anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
307completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 346it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
308unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 347unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
309C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 348C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
349system like NetBSD.
350
351You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
352only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
353the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
310 354
311It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 355It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
312kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 356kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
313course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 357course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
314extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 358cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
315incident, so its best to avoid that. 359two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
360drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
316 361
317=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 362=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
318 363
319This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 364This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
320 365
321=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 366=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
322 367
323This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 368This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
324it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 369it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
325 370
326Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 371Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
327notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 372notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
328blocking when no data (or space) is available. 373blocking when no data (or space) is available.
329 374
330=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 375=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
331 376
374Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 419Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
375etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 420etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
376sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 421sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
377responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 422responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
378calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 423calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
379the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 424the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
380for example). 425for example).
426
427Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
428this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
429would need to be stopped manually.
430
431In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
432rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
433pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
434C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
381 435
382=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 436=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
383 437
384Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 438Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
385earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 439earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
409 463
410Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 464Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
411C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 465C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
412after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 466after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
413 467
468=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
469
470Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
471the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
472happily wraps around with enough iterations.
473
474This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
475"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
476C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
477
414=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 478=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
415 479
416Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 480Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
417use. 481use.
418 482
420 484
421Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 485Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
422received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 486received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
423change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 487change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
424time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 488time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
425event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 489event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
426 490
427=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 491=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
428 492
429Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 493Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
430after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 494after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
451libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 515libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
452usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 516usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
453 517
454Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 518Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
455 519
520 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 521 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
457 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 522 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
458 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 523 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
459 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 524 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
460 - Update the "event loop time". 525 - Update the "event loop time".
461 - Calculate for how long to block. 526 - Calculate for how long to block.
462 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 527 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
513Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 578Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
514 579
515 ev_ref (loop); 580 ev_ref (loop);
516 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 581 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
517 582
583=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
584
585=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
586
587These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
588for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
589invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
590
591Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
592allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
593increase efficiency of loop iterations.
594
595The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
596handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
597the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
598events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
599overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
600
601By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
602time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
603at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
604C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null bvalue will
605introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
606
607Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
608to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
609latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
610will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
611any overhead in libev.
612
613Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
614interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
615interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
616usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
617as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
618
518=back 619=back
519 620
520 621
521=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 622=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
522 623
701=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 802=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 803
703Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 804Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
704events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 805events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
705is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 806is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
706C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 807C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
707libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 808make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
809it).
708 810
709=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 811=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
710 812
711Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 813Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
712 814
713=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 815=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
714 816
715Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 817Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
716(modulo threads). 818(modulo threads).
819
820=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
821
822=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
823
824Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
825integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
826(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
827before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
828from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
829
830This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
831invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
832example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
833watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
834
835If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
836you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
837
838You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
839pending.
840
841The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
842always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
843
844Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
845fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
846or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
847
848=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
849
850Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
851C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
852can deal with that fact.
853
854=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
855
856If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
857and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
858watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
717 859
718=back 860=back
719 861
720 862
721=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 863=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
827it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 969it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
828C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 970C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
829 971
830If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 972If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
831play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 973play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
832wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 974whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
833such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 975such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
834its own, so its quite safe to use). 976its own, so its quite safe to use).
977
978=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
979
980Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
981descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
982such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
983descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
984this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
985registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
986fact, a different file descriptor.
987
988To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
989the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
990will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
991it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
992you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
993descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
994
995This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
996the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
997optimisations to libev.
998
999=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1000
1001Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1002but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1003have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1004file descriptor might actually receive events.
1005
1006There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1007for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1008C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1009
1010=head3 The special problem of fork
1011
1012Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1013useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1014it in the child.
1015
1016To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1017C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1018enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1019C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1020
1021
1022=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
835 1023
836=over 4 1024=over 4
837 1025
838=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1026=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
839 1027
893 1081
894The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1082The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
895but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1083but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
896order of execution is undefined. 1084order of execution is undefined.
897 1085
1086=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1087
898=over 4 1088=over 4
899 1089
900=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1090=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
901 1091
902=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1092=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
915=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1105=item ev_timer_again (loop)
916 1106
917This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1107This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
918repeating. The exact semantics are: 1108repeating. The exact semantics are:
919 1109
1110If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1111
920If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1112If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
921 1113
922If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1114If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
923value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1115C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
924 1116
925This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1117This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
926example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1118example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
927idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1119timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
928say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1120seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
929this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1121configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
930C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1122C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
931you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1123you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
932socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1124socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
933need be. 1125automatically restart it if need be.
934 1126
935You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1127That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
936and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1128altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
937 1129
938 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1130 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
939 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
940 ... 1132 ...
941 timer->again = 17.; 1133 timer->again = 17.;
942 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
943 ... 1135 ...
944 timer->again = 10.; 1136 timer->again = 10.;
945 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1137 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
946 1138
947This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1139This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
948to modify its timeout value. 1140you want to modify its timeout value.
949 1141
950=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1142=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
951 1143
952The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1144The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
953or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1145or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
995but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1187but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
996to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1188to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
997periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1189periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
998+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1190+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
999take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1191take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1000roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1192roughly 10 seconds later).
1001again).
1002 1193
1003They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1194They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1004triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1195triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1196rules.
1005 1197
1006As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1198As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1007time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1199time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1008during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1200during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1009 1201
1202=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1203
1010=over 4 1204=over 4
1011 1205
1012=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1206=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1013 1207
1014=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1208=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1016Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1210Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1017operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1211operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1018 1212
1019=over 4 1213=over 4
1020 1214
1021=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1215=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1022 1216
1023In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1217In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1024C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1218C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1025that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1219that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1026system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1220system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1027 1221
1028=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1222=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1029 1223
1030In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1224In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1031C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1225C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1032of any time jumps. 1226and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1033 1227
1034This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1228This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1035time: 1229time:
1036 1230
1037 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1231 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1043 1237
1044Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1238Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1045C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1239C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1046time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1240time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1047 1241
1242For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1243C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1244this value.
1245
1048=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1246=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1049 1247
1050In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1248In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1051ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1249ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1052reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1250reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1053current time as second argument. 1251current time as second argument.
1054 1252
1055NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1253NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1056ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1254ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1057return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1255return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1058starting a prepare watcher). 1256starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1059 1257
1060Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1258Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1061ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1259ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1062 1260
1063 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1261 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1086Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1284Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1087when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1285when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1088a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1286a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1089program when the crontabs have changed). 1287program when the crontabs have changed).
1090 1288
1289=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1290
1291When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1292absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1293
1294Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1295timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1296
1091=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1297=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1092 1298
1093The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1299The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1094take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1300take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1095called. 1301called.
1097=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1303=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1098 1304
1099The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1305The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1100switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1306switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1101the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1307the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1308
1309=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1310
1311When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1312trigger next.
1102 1313
1103=back 1314=back
1104 1315
1105Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1316Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1106system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1317system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1148with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1359with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1149as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1360as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1150watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1361watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1151SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1362SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1152 1363
1364=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1365
1153=over 4 1366=over 4
1154 1367
1155=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1368=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1156 1369
1157=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1370=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1168 1381
1169=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1382=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1170 1383
1171Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1384Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1172some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1385some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1386
1387=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1173 1388
1174=over 4 1389=over 4
1175 1390
1176=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1391=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1177 1392
1221The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1436The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1222not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1437not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1223not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1438not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1224otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1439otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1225the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1440the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1441
1442The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1443relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1226 1444
1227Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1445Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1228calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1446calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1229can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1447can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1230a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1448a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1242reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1460reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1243semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1461semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1244to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1462to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1245usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1463usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1246polling. 1464polling.
1465
1466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1247 1467
1248=over 4 1468=over 4
1249 1469
1250=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1470=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1251 1471
1315 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1535 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1316 1536
1317 1537
1318=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1538=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1319 1539
1320Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1540Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1321(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1541priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1322as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1542count).
1323imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1543
1324watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1544That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1545(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1546triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1547are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1325until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1548iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1326busy. 1549and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1327 1550
1328The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1551The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1329active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1552active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1330 1553
1331Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1554Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1332effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1555effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1333"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1556"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1334event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1557event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1335 1560
1336=over 4 1561=over 4
1337 1562
1338=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1563=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1339 1564
1397with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1622with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1398of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1623of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1399loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1624loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1400low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1625low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1401 1626
1627It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1628priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1629after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1630too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1631supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1632did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1633(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1634state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1635coexist peacefully with others).
1636
1637=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1638
1402=over 4 1639=over 4
1403 1640
1404=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1641=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1405 1642
1406=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1643=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1409parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1646parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1410macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1647macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1411 1648
1412=back 1649=back
1413 1650
1414Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1651There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1415and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1652into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1653(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1654use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1655embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1656into the Glib event loop).
1657
1658Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1416in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1659and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1417pseudo-code only of course: 1660is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1661priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1662the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1418 1663
1419 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1664 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1420 static ev_timer tw; 1665 static ev_timer tw;
1421 1666
1422 static void 1667 static void
1423 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1668 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1424 { 1669 {
1425 // set the relevant poll flags
1426 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1427 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1428 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1429 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1430 } 1670 }
1431 1671
1432 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1672 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1433 static void 1673 static void
1434 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1674 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1435 { 1675 {
1436 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1676 int timeout = 3600000;
1677 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1437 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1678 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1438 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1679 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1439 1680
1440 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1681 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1441 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1682 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1442 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1683 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1443 1684
1444 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1685 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1445 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1686 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1446 { 1687 {
1447 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1688 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1448 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1689 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1449 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1690 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1450 1691
1451 fds [i].revents = 0; 1692 fds [i].revents = 0;
1452 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1453 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1693 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1454 } 1694 }
1455 } 1695 }
1456 1696
1457 // stop all watchers after blocking 1697 // stop all watchers after blocking
1459 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1699 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1460 { 1700 {
1461 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1701 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1462 1702
1463 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1703 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1704 {
1705 // set the relevant poll flags
1706 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1707 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1708 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1709 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1710 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1711
1712 // now stop the watcher
1464 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1713 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1714 }
1465 1715
1466 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1716 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1717 }
1718
1719Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1720in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1721
1722Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1723notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1724callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1725
1726 static void
1727 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1728 {
1729 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1730 update_now (EV_A);
1731
1732 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1733 }
1734
1735 static void
1736 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1737 {
1738 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1739 update_now (EV_A);
1740
1741 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1742 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1743 }
1744
1745 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1746
1747Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1748want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1749their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1750loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1751this.
1752
1753 static gint
1754 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1755 {
1756 int got_events = 0;
1757
1758 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1759 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1760
1761 if (timeout >= 0)
1762 // create/start timer
1763
1764 // poll
1765 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1766
1767 // stop timer again
1768 if (timeout >= 0)
1769 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1770
1771 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1772 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1773 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1774
1775 return got_events;
1467 } 1776 }
1468 1777
1469 1778
1470=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1779=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1471 1780
1535 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1844 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1536 } 1845 }
1537 else 1846 else
1538 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1847 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1539 1848
1849=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1850
1540=over 4 1851=over 4
1541 1852
1542=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1853=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1543 1854
1544=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1855=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1553 1864
1554Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1865Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1555similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1866similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1556apropriate way for embedded loops. 1867apropriate way for embedded loops.
1557 1868
1558=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1869=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1559 1870
1560The embedded event loop. 1871The embedded event loop.
1561 1872
1562=back 1873=back
1563 1874
1570event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1881event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1571and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1882and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1572C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1883C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1573handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1884handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1574 1885
1886=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1887
1575=over 4 1888=over 4
1576 1889
1577=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1890=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1578 1891
1579Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1892Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1675 1988
1676To use it, 1989To use it,
1677 1990
1678 #include <ev++.h> 1991 #include <ev++.h>
1679 1992
1680(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1993This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1681and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1994of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1682namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1995put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1996options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1683 1997
1684It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1998Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1685C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1999classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2000that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2001you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2002
2003Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2004used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2005need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2006types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2007it).
1686 2008
1687Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2009Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1688 2010
1689=over 4 2011=over 4
1690 2012
1706 2028
1707All of those classes have these methods: 2029All of those classes have these methods:
1708 2030
1709=over 4 2031=over 4
1710 2032
1711=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2033=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1712 2034
1713=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2035=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1714 2036
1715=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2037=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1716 2038
1717The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2039The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1718the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2040with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1719C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2041
1720before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2042The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1721automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2043C<set> method before starting it.
2044
2045It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2046method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2047
2048(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2049not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1722 2050
1723The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2051The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2052
2053=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2054
2055This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2056signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2057first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2058parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2059
2060This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2061the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2062callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2063your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2064thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2065
2066Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2067
2068 struct myclass
2069 {
2070 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2071 }
2072
2073 myclass obj;
2074 ev::io iow;
2075 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2076
2077=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2078
2079Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2080callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2081C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2082
2083The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2084
2085See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2086
2087Example:
2088
2089 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2090 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1724 2091
1725=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2092=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1726 2093
1727Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2094Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1728do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2095do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1729 2096
1730=item w->set ([args]) 2097=item w->set ([args])
1731 2098
1732Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2099Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1733called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2100called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1734automatically stopped and restarted. 2101automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2102method.
1735 2103
1736=item w->start () 2104=item w->start ()
1737 2105
1738Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2106Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1739constructor already takes the loop. 2107constructor already stores the event loop.
1740 2108
1741=item w->stop () 2109=item w->stop ()
1742 2110
1743Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2111Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1744 2112
1745=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2113=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1746 2114
1747For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2115For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1748C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2116C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1749 2117
1750=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2118=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1751 2119
1752Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2120Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1753 2121
1754=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2122=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1755 2123
1756Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2124Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1757 2125
1758=back 2126=back
1759 2127
1769 2137
1770 myclass (); 2138 myclass ();
1771 } 2139 }
1772 2140
1773 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2141 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1774 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1775 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1776 { 2142 {
2143 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2144 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2145
1777 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2146 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1778 } 2147 }
1779 2148
1780 2149
1781=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2150=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1782 2151
1783Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2152Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1784C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2153of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1785callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2154functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1786 2155
1787To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2156To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1788following macros are defined: 2157following macros are defined:
1789 2158
1790=over 4 2159=over 4
1822Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2191Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1823loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2192loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1824 2193
1825=back 2194=back
1826 2195
1827Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2196Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1828wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2197macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2198or not.
1829 2199
1830 static void 2200 static void
1831 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2201 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 { 2202 {
1833 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2203 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1836 ev_check check; 2206 ev_check check;
1837 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2207 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1838 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2208 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1839 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2209 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1840 2210
1841
1842=head1 EMBEDDING 2211=head1 EMBEDDING
1843 2212
1844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2213Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2214applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1846Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2215Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1847and rxvt-unicode. 2216and rxvt-unicode.
1848 2217
1849The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2218The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1850source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2219source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1851you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2220you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1852libev somewhere in your source tree). 2221libev somewhere in your source tree).
1853 2222
1854=head2 FILESETS 2223=head2 FILESETS
1885 ev_vars.h 2254 ev_vars.h
1886 ev_wrap.h 2255 ev_wrap.h
1887 2256
1888 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2257 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1889 2258
1890 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2259 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1891 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2260 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1892 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2261 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2262 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2263 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1895 2264
1944 2313
1945If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1946monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2315monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1947of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2316of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1948usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2317usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1949the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2318the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1950to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2319to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1951function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2320function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1952 2321
1953=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2322=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1954 2323
1955If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2324If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1956realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2325realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1957runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2326runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1958be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2327be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1959(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2328(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1960in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2329note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2330
2331=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2332
2333If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2334and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1961 2335
1962=item EV_USE_SELECT 2336=item EV_USE_SELECT
1963 2337
1964If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2338If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1965C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2339C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2058will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2432will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2059additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2433additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2060for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2434for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2061argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2435argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2062 2436
2437=item EV_MINPRI
2438
2439=item EV_MAXPRI
2440
2441The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2442C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2443provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2444to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2445
2446When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2447all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2448and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2449fine.
2450
2451If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2452C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2453
2063=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2454=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2064 2455
2065If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2456If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2457defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2458code.
2459
2460=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2461
2462If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2066defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2463defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2067code. 2464code.
2068 2465
2069=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2466=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2070 2467
2121 2518
2122=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2519=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2123 2520
2124Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2521Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2125and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2522and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2126definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2523definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2127their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2524their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2128avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2525avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2129method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2526method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2527
2528=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2529
2530If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2531exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2532all public symbols, one per line:
2533
2534 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2535 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2536
2537This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2538multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2539itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2540
2541A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2542include before including F<ev.h>:
2543
2544 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2545
2546This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2547
2548 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2549 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2550 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2551 ...
2130 2552
2131=head2 EXAMPLES 2553=head2 EXAMPLES
2132 2554
2133For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2555For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2134verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2556verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2137interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2559interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2138will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2560will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2139file. 2561file.
2140 2562
2141The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2563The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2142that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2564that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2143 2565
2566 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2144 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2567 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2145 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2568 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2146 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2569 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2570 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2571 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2147 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2572 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2573 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2574 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2148 2575
2149 #include "ev++.h" 2576 #include "ev++.h"
2150 2577
2151And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2578And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2152 2579
2158 2585
2159In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2586In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2160libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2587libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2161documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2588documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2162 2589
2590All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2591extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2592happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2593mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2594it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2595
2163=over 4 2596=over 4
2164 2597
2165=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2598=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2166 2599
2600This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2601there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2602have to skip those 100 watchers.
2603
2167=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2604=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2168 2605
2606That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2607as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2608
2169=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2609=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2170 2610
2611These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2171=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2612=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2172 2613
2173=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2614=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2174 2615
2616These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2617correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2618have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2619
2175=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2620=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2176 2621
2177=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2622=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2178 2623
2624A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2625libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2626
2179=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2627=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2180 2628
2629=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2630
2631Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2632priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2633linearly search all the priorities.
2634
2181=back 2635=back
2182 2636
2183 2637
2184=head1 AUTHOR 2638=head1 AUTHOR
2185 2639

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