ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.58 by root, Wed Nov 28 11:31:34 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.134 by root, Sat Mar 8 07:04:56 2008 UTC

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>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
78 82
79It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
81for example). 85for example).
82 86
83=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
84 88
85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
90(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.
91 95
92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
93 97
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
244flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
245 261
246If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
247function. 263function.
248 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
249The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
250backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
251 274
252The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
253 276
265C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
266override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override 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 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
268around bugs. 291around bugs.
269 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
270=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
271 314
272This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This 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, 316libev 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 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
275using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
276the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
277 327
278=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
279 329
280And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
281select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
282number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
283lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
284 336
285=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
286 338
287For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For 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 340but 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 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
290either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
291 346
292While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
293result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will 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 349(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 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
296well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
297 352
298Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please 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 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
300(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
301 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
302=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
303 365
304Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
305was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
306anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
307completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
308unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
309C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
310 377
311It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It 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 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
313course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). 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 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
315incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
316 393
317=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
318 395
319This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
320 400
321=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
322 402
323This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This 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)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
325 405
326Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please 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 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
328blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
329 418
330=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
331 420
332Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
333with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
334C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
335 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
336=back 427=back
337 428
338If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
339backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
340specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
341order of their flag values :)
342 432
343The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
344 434
345 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
346 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
374Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
375etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). 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 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
377responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
378calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling 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 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
380for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
381 480
382=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
383 482
384Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
385earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
386 485
387=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
388 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
389This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
390one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
391after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
392again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
393 494
394You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
395only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
396fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
397 498
398The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
399it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
400quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
401 502
402 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
403 504
404At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
405without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
406do not need to care.
407
408=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
409 506
410Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like 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 508C<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. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512
513Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
514
515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516
517Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
518the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
519happily wraps around with enough iterations.
520
521This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
522"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
523C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
413 524
414=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 525=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
415 526
416Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 527Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
417use. 528use.
420 531
421Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 532Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
422received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 533received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
423change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 534change 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 535time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
425event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 536event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
426 537
427=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 538=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
428 539
429Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 540Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
430after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 541after 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 562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
452usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 563usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
453 564
454Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
455 566
456 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
457 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
458 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
459 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
460 - Update the "event loop time". 573 - Update the "event loop time".
461 - Calculate for how long to block. 574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
462 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 578 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
463 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
464 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
465 - Queue all outstanding timers. 581 - Queue all outstanding timers.
466 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 582 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
467 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
468 - Queue all check watchers. 584 - Queue all check watchers.
469 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
470 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
471 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
472 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
473 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 589 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
590 continue with step *.
474 591
475Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 592Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
476anymore. 593anymore.
477 594
478 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
479 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
480 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
484 601
485Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
486has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
487C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 604C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
488C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 605C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
606
607This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
489 608
490=item ev_ref (loop) 609=item ev_ref (loop)
491 610
492=item ev_unref (loop) 611=item ev_unref (loop)
493 612
498returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 617returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
499example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 618example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
500visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 619visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
501no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 620no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
502way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 621way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
503libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 622libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
623(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
624respectively).
504 625
505Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
506running when nothing else is active. 627running when nothing else is active.
507 628
508 struct ev_signal exitsig; 629 struct ev_signal exitsig;
512 633
513Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
514 635
515 ev_ref (loop); 636 ev_ref (loop);
516 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
646
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
649increase efficiency of loop iterations.
650
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656
657By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
659at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
660C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev.
668
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
517 674
518=back 675=back
519 676
520 677
521=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
621=item C<EV_FORK> 778=item C<EV_FORK>
622 779
623The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 780The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
624C<ev_fork>). 781C<ev_fork>).
625 782
783=item C<EV_ASYNC>
784
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786
626=item C<EV_ERROR> 787=item C<EV_ERROR>
627 788
628An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
629happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
630ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
701=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 862=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 863
703Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 864Returns 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 865events 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 866is 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 867C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
707libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 868make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
869it).
708 870
709=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 871=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
710 872
711Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 873Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
712 874
713=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 875=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
714 876
715Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 877Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
716(modulo threads). 878(modulo threads).
879
880=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
881
882=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
883
884Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
885integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
886(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
887before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
888from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
889
890This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
891invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
892example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
893watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
894
895If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
896you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
897
898You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
899pending.
900
901The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
902always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
903
904Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
905fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
906or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
907
908=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909
910Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
911C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
912can deal with that fact.
913
914=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915
916If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
917and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
918watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
717 919
718=back 920=back
719 921
720 922
721=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 923=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
806In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1008In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
807fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1009fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
808descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1010descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
809required if you know what you are doing). 1011required if you know what you are doing).
810 1012
811You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
812(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
813descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
814to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
815the same underlying "file open").
816
817If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
818(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
819C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
820 1016
821Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
827it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1023it 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. 1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
829 1025
830If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1026If 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 1027play 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 1028whether 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 1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
834its own, so its quite safe to use). 1030its own, so its quite safe to use).
1031
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033
1034Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1035descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1036such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1037descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1040fact, a different file descriptor.
1041
1042To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1043the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1044will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1045it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1046you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1047descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1048
1049This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1050the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1051optimisations to libev.
1052
1053=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1054
1055Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1056but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1057have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1058events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1059
1060There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1061for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1062C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1063
1064=head3 The special problem of fork
1065
1066Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1067useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1068it in the child.
1069
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074
1075
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
835 1077
836=over 4 1078=over 4
837 1079
838=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
839 1081
850=item int events [read-only] 1092=item int events [read-only]
851 1093
852The events being watched. 1094The events being watched.
853 1095
854=back 1096=back
1097
1098=head3 Examples
855 1099
856Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
857readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
858attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
859 1103
893 1137
894The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
895but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
896order of execution is undefined. 1140order of execution is undefined.
897 1141
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143
898=over 4 1144=over 4
899 1145
900=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
901 1147
902=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
910configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
911exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
912the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
913timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
914 1160
915=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
916 1162
917This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
918repeating. The exact semantics are: 1164repeating. The exact semantics are:
919 1165
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167
920If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
921 1169
922If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
923value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
924 1172
925This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
926example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1174example: 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, 1175timeout, 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 1176seconds 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 1177configure 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 1178C<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 1179you 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 1180socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
933need be. 1181automatically restart it if need be.
934 1182
935You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1183That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
936and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1184altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
937 1185
938 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1186 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
939 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1187 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
940 ... 1188 ...
941 timer->again = 17.; 1189 timer->again = 17.;
942 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1190 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
943 ... 1191 ...
944 timer->again = 10.; 1192 timer->again = 10.;
945 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1193 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
946 1194
947This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1195This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
948to modify its timeout value. 1196you want to modify its timeout value.
949 1197
950=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1198=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
951 1199
952The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1200The 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), 1201or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
954which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
955 1203
956=back 1204=back
1205
1206=head3 Examples
957 1207
958Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
959 1209
960 static void 1210 static void
961 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1245but 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 1246to 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 () 1247periodic 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 1248+ 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 1249take 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 1250roughly 10 seconds later).
1001again).
1002 1251
1003They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1004triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1254rules.
1005 1255
1006As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1256As 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 1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1008during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1009 1259
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261
1010=over 4 1262=over 4
1011 1263
1012=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1264=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1013 1265
1014=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1266=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 1268Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1017operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1269operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1018 1270
1019=over 4 1271=over 4
1020 1272
1021=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1022 1274
1023In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1275In 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, 1276C<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 1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1026system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1278system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1027 1279
1028=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1029 1281
1030In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1282In 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 1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1032of any time jumps. 1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1033 1285
1034This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1035time: 1287time:
1036 1288
1037 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1043 1295
1044Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1296Another 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 1297C<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. 1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1047 1299
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value.
1303
1048=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1049 1305
1050In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1051ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1052reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1053current time as second argument. 1309current time as second argument.
1054 1310
1055NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1056ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1312ever, 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 1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1058starting a prepare watcher). 1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1059 1315
1060Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1061ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1062 1318
1063 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1086Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1087when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1343when 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 1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1089program when the crontabs have changed). 1345program when the crontabs have changed).
1090 1346
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351
1352Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1353timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1354
1091=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1355=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1092 1356
1093The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1357The 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 1358take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1095called. 1359called.
1098 1362
1099The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1100switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1101the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1102 1366
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1103=back 1372=back
1373
1374=head3 Examples
1104 1375
1105Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1106system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1107potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1108 1379
1148with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1419with 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 1420as 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 1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1151SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1152 1423
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425
1153=over 4 1426=over 4
1154 1427
1155=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1428=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1156 1429
1157=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1430=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1163 1436
1164The signal the watcher watches out for. 1437The signal the watcher watches out for.
1165 1438
1166=back 1439=back
1167 1440
1441=head3 Examples
1442
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1444
1445 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 }
1450
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1454
1168 1455
1169=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1170 1457
1171Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1172some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1459some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1460is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1461forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1462loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1463
1464Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1465you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1466
1467=head3 Process Interaction
1468
1469Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1470initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1471the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1472of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1473synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1474children, even ones not watched.
1475
1476=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1477
1478Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1479processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1480handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1481C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1482default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1483event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1484that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1485
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1173 1487
1174=over 4 1488=over 4
1175 1489
1176=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1490=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1177 1491
1178=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1492=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1179 1493
1180Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1494Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1181I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1495I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1182at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1496at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1183the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1497the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1184C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1498C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1185process causing the status change. 1499process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1500activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1501activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1186 1502
1187=item int pid [read-only] 1503=item int pid [read-only]
1188 1504
1189The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1505The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1190 1506
1197The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1513The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1198C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1514C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1199 1515
1200=back 1516=back
1201 1517
1202Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1518=head3 Examples
1519
1520Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1521its completion.
1522
1523 ev_child cw;
1203 1524
1204 static void 1525 static void
1205 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1526 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1206 { 1527 {
1207 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1528 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1529 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1208 } 1530 }
1209 1531
1210 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1532 pid_t pid = fork ();
1211 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1533
1212 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1534 if (pid < 0)
1535 // error
1536 else if (pid == 0)
1537 {
1538 // the forked child executes here
1539 exit (1);
1540 }
1541 else
1542 {
1543 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1544 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1545 }
1213 1546
1214 1547
1215=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1548=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1216 1549
1217This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1550This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1221The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1554The 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 1555not 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 1556not 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 1557otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1225the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1558the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1559
1560The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1561relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1226 1562
1227Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1563Since 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 1564calls 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 1565can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1230a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1566a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1243semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1579semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1244to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1580to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1245usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1581usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1246polling. 1582polling.
1247 1583
1584=head3 Inotify
1585
1586When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1587available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1588change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1589when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1590
1591Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1592except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1593making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1594there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1595
1596(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1597implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1598descriptor open on the object at all times).
1599
1600=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1601
1602The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1603even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1604only support whole seconds.
1605
1606That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1607miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1608your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1609the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1610
1611The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1612the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1613(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1614is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1615systems.
1616
1617=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1618
1248=over 4 1619=over 4
1249 1620
1250=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1621=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1251 1622
1252=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1623=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1259 1630
1260The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1631The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1261relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1632relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1262last change was detected). 1633last change was detected).
1263 1634
1264=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1635=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1265 1636
1266Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1637Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1267watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1638watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1268detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1639detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1269useful simply to find out the new values. 1640useful simply to find out the new values.
1287=item const char *path [read-only] 1658=item const char *path [read-only]
1288 1659
1289The filesystem path that is being watched. 1660The filesystem path that is being watched.
1290 1661
1291=back 1662=back
1663
1664=head3 Examples
1292 1665
1293Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1666Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1294 1667
1295 static void 1668 static void
1296 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1669 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1309 } 1682 }
1310 1683
1311 ... 1684 ...
1312 ev_stat passwd; 1685 ev_stat passwd;
1313 1686
1314 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1687 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1315 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1688 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1316 1689
1690Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1691miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1692one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1693C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1694
1695 static ev_stat passwd;
1696 static ev_timer timer;
1697
1698 static void
1699 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1700 {
1701 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1702
1703 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1704 }
1705
1706 static void
1707 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1708 {
1709 /* reset the one-second timer */
1710 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1711 }
1712
1713 ...
1714 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1715 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1716 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1717
1317 1718
1318=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1719=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1319 1720
1320Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1721Idle 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 1722priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1322as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1723count).
1323imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1724
1324watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1725That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1726(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1727triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1728are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1325until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1729iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1326busy. 1730and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1327 1731
1328The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1732The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1329active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1733active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1330 1734
1331Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1735Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1332effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1736effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1333"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1737"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1334event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1738event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1335 1739
1740=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1741
1336=over 4 1742=over 4
1337 1743
1338=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1744=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1339 1745
1340Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1746Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1341kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1747kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1342believe me. 1748believe me.
1343 1749
1344=back 1750=back
1751
1752=head3 Examples
1345 1753
1346Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1754Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1347callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1755callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1348 1756
1349 static void 1757 static void
1350 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1758 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1351 { 1759 {
1352 free (w); 1760 free (w);
1353 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1761 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1354 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1762 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1355 } 1763 }
1356 1764
1357 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1765 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1358 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1766 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1359 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1767 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1397with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1805with 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 1806of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1399loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1807loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1400low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1808low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1401 1809
1810It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1811priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1812after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1813too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1814supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1815did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1816(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1817state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1818coexist peacefully with others).
1819
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821
1402=over 4 1822=over 4
1403 1823
1404=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1824=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1405 1825
1406=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1826=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1409parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1829parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1410macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1830macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1411 1831
1412=back 1832=back
1413 1833
1414Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1834=head3 Examples
1415and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1835
1836There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1837into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1838(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1839use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1840embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1841into the Glib event loop).
1842
1843Method 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 1844and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1417pseudo-code only of course: 1845is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1846priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1847the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1418 1848
1419 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1849 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1420 static ev_timer tw; 1850 static ev_timer tw;
1421 1851
1422 static void 1852 static void
1423 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1853 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1424 { 1854 {
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 } 1855 }
1431 1856
1432 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1857 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1433 static void 1858 static void
1434 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1859 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1435 { 1860 {
1436 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1861 int timeout = 3600000;
1862 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1437 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1863 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1438 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1864 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1439 1865
1440 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1866 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1441 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1867 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1442 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1868 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1443 1869
1444 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1870 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1445 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1871 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1446 { 1872 {
1447 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1873 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1448 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1874 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1449 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1875 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1450 1876
1451 fds [i].revents = 0; 1877 fds [i].revents = 0;
1452 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1453 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1878 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1454 } 1879 }
1455 } 1880 }
1456 1881
1457 // stop all watchers after blocking 1882 // stop all watchers after blocking
1459 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1884 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1460 { 1885 {
1461 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1886 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1462 1887
1463 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1888 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1889 {
1890 // set the relevant poll flags
1891 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1892 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1893 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1894 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1895 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1896
1897 // now stop the watcher
1464 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1898 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1899 }
1465 1900
1466 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1901 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1902 }
1903
1904Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1905in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1906
1907Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1908notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1909callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1910
1911 static void
1912 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1913 {
1914 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1915 update_now (EV_A);
1916
1917 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1918 }
1919
1920 static void
1921 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1922 {
1923 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1924 update_now (EV_A);
1925
1926 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1927 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1928 }
1929
1930 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1931
1932Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1933want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1934their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1935loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1936this.
1937
1938 static gint
1939 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1940 {
1941 int got_events = 0;
1942
1943 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1944 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1945
1946 if (timeout >= 0)
1947 // create/start timer
1948
1949 // poll
1950 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1951
1952 // stop timer again
1953 if (timeout >= 0)
1954 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1955
1956 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1957 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1958 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1959
1960 return got_events;
1467 } 1961 }
1468 1962
1469 1963
1470=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1964=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1471 1965
1514portable one. 2008portable one.
1515 2009
1516So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2010So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1517that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2011that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1518this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2012this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1519create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2013create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2014
2015=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2016
2017=over 4
2018
2019=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2020
2021=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2022
2023Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2024embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2025invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2026to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2027if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2028
2029=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2030
2031Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2032similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2033apropriate way for embedded loops.
2034
2035=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2036
2037The embedded event loop.
2038
2039=back
2040
2041=head3 Examples
2042
2043Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2044event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2045loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2046C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2047used).
1520 2048
1521 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2049 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1522 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2050 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1523 struct ev_embed embed; 2051 struct ev_embed embed;
1524 2052
1535 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2063 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1536 } 2064 }
1537 else 2065 else
1538 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2066 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1539 2067
1540=over 4 2068Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2069a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2070kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2071C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1541 2072
1542=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2073 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2074 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2075 struct ev_embed embed;
2076
2077 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2078 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2079 {
2080 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2081 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2082 }
1543 2083
1544=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2084 if (!loop_socket)
2085 loop_socket = loop;
1545 2086
1546Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2087 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1547embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1548invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1549to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1550if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1551
1552=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1553
1554Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1555similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1556apropriate way for embedded loops.
1557
1558=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1559
1560The embedded event loop.
1561
1562=back
1563 2088
1564 2089
1565=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2090=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1566 2091
1567Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2092Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1570event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2095event 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 2096and 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 2097C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1573handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2098handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1574 2099
2100=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2101
1575=over 4 2102=over 4
1576 2103
1577=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2104=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1578 2105
1579Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2106Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1580kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2107kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1581believe me. 2108believe me.
2109
2110=back
2111
2112
2113=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2114
2115In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2116asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2117loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2118
2119Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2120control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2121C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2122can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2123safe.
2124
2125This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2126too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2127(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2128C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2129
2130Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2131just the default loop.
2132
2133=head3 Queueing
2134
2135C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2136is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2137multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2138need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2139
2140That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2141queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2142queue:
2143
2144=over 4
2145
2146=item queueing from a signal handler context
2147
2148To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2149handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2150some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2151
2152 static ev_async mysig;
2153
2154 static void
2155 sigusr1_handler (void)
2156 {
2157 sometype data;
2158
2159 // no locking etc.
2160 queue_put (data);
2161 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2162 }
2163
2164 static void
2165 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2166 {
2167 sometype data;
2168 sigset_t block, prev;
2169
2170 sigemptyset (&block);
2171 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2172 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2173
2174 while (queue_get (&data))
2175 process (data);
2176
2177 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2178 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2179 }
2180
2181(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2182instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2183either...).
2184
2185=item queueing from a thread context
2186
2187The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2188threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2189employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2190
2191 static ev_async mysig;
2192 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2193
2194 static void
2195 otherthread (void)
2196 {
2197 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2198 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2199 queue_put (data);
2200 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2201
2202 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2203 }
2204
2205 static void
2206 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2207 {
2208 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2209
2210 while (queue_get (&data))
2211 process (data);
2212
2213 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2214 }
2215
2216=back
2217
2218
2219=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2220
2221=over 4
2222
2223=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2224
2225Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2226kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2227believe me.
2228
2229=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2230
2231Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2232an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2233C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2234similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2235section below on what exactly this means).
2236
2237This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2238so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2239calls to C<ev_async_send>.
1582 2240
1583=back 2241=back
1584 2242
1585 2243
1586=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2244=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1675 2333
1676To use it, 2334To use it,
1677 2335
1678 #include <ev++.h> 2336 #include <ev++.h>
1679 2337
1680(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2338This 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 2339of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1682namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2340put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2341options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1683 2342
1684It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2343Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1685C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2344classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2345that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2346you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2347
2348Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2349used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2350need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2351types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2352it).
1686 2353
1687Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2354Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1688 2355
1689=over 4 2356=over 4
1690 2357
1706 2373
1707All of those classes have these methods: 2374All of those classes have these methods:
1708 2375
1709=over 4 2376=over 4
1710 2377
1711=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2378=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1712 2379
1713=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2380=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1714 2381
1715=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2382=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1716 2383
1717The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2384The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1718the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2385with. 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 2386
1720before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2387The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1721automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2388C<set> method before starting it.
2389
2390It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2391method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2392
2393(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2394not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1722 2395
1723The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2396The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2397
2398=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2399
2400This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2401signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2402first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2403parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2404
2405This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2406the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2407callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2408your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2409thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2410
2411Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2412
2413 struct myclass
2414 {
2415 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2416 }
2417
2418 myclass obj;
2419 ev::io iow;
2420 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2421
2422=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2423
2424Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2425callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2426C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2427
2428The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2429
2430See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2431
2432Example:
2433
2434 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2435 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1724 2436
1725=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2437=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1726 2438
1727Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2439Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1728do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2440do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1729 2441
1730=item w->set ([args]) 2442=item w->set ([args])
1731 2443
1732Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2444Basically 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 2445called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1734automatically stopped and restarted. 2446automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2447method.
1735 2448
1736=item w->start () 2449=item w->start ()
1737 2450
1738Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2451Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1739constructor already takes the loop. 2452constructor already stores the event loop.
1740 2453
1741=item w->stop () 2454=item w->stop ()
1742 2455
1743Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2456Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1744 2457
1745=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2458=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1746 2459
1747For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2460For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1748C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2461C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1749 2462
1750=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2463=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1751 2464
1752Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2465Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1753 2466
1754=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2467=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1755 2468
1756Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2469Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1757 2470
1758=back 2471=back
1759 2472
1762Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2475Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1763the constructor. 2476the constructor.
1764 2477
1765 class myclass 2478 class myclass
1766 { 2479 {
1767 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2480 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1768 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2481 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1769 2482
1770 myclass (); 2483 myclass (int fd)
1771 }
1772
1773 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1774 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1775 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1776 { 2484 {
2485 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2486 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2487
1777 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2488 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2489 }
1778 } 2490 };
1779 2491
1780 2492
1781=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2493=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1782 2494
1783Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2495Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1784C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2496of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1785callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2497functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1786 2498
1787To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2499To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1788following macros are defined: 2500following macros are defined:
1789 2501
1790=over 4 2502=over 4
1822Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2534Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1823loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2535loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1824 2536
1825=back 2537=back
1826 2538
1827Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2539Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1828wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2540macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2541or not.
1829 2542
1830 static void 2543 static void
1831 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2544 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 { 2545 {
1833 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2546 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1836 ev_check check; 2549 ev_check check;
1837 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2550 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1838 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2551 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1839 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2552 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1840 2553
1841
1842=head1 EMBEDDING 2554=head1 EMBEDDING
1843 2555
1844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2556Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2557applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1846Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2558Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1847and rxvt-unicode. 2559and rxvt-unicode.
1848 2560
1849The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2561The 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 2562source 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 2563you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1852libev somewhere in your source tree). 2564libev somewhere in your source tree).
1853 2565
1854=head2 FILESETS 2566=head2 FILESETS
1885 ev_vars.h 2597 ev_vars.h
1886 ev_wrap.h 2598 ev_wrap.h
1887 2599
1888 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2600 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1889 2601
1890 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2602 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) 2603 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) 2604 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) 2605 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) 2606 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1895 2607
1944 2656
1945If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2657If 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 2658monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1947of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2659of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1948usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2660usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1949the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2661the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1950to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2662to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1951function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2663function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1952 2664
1953=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2665=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1954 2666
1955If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2667If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1956realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2668realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1957runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2669runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1958be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2670be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1959(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2671(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1960in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2672note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2673
2674=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2675
2676If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2677and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1961 2678
1962=item EV_USE_SELECT 2679=item EV_USE_SELECT
1963 2680
1964If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2681If 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 2682C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1983wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2700wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1984be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2701be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1985C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2702C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1986it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2703it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1987on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2704on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2705
2706=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2707
2708If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2709file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2710default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2711correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2712in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1988 2713
1989=item EV_USE_POLL 2714=item EV_USE_POLL
1990 2715
1991If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2716If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1992backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2717backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2026 2751
2027If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2028interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2753interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2029be detected at runtime. 2754be detected at runtime.
2030 2755
2756=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2757
2758Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2759access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2760type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2761that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2762as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2763
2764In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2765(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2766
2031=item EV_H 2767=item EV_H
2032 2768
2033The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2769The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2034undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2770undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2035can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2771used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2036 2772
2037=item EV_CONFIG_H 2773=item EV_CONFIG_H
2038 2774
2039If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2775If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2040F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2776F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2041C<EV_H>, above. 2777C<EV_H>, above.
2042 2778
2043=item EV_EVENT_H 2779=item EV_EVENT_H
2044 2780
2045Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2781Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2046of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2782of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2047 2783
2048=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2784=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2049 2785
2050If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2786If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2051prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2787prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2058will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2794will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2059additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2795additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2060for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2796for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2061argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2797argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2062 2798
2799=item EV_MINPRI
2800
2801=item EV_MAXPRI
2802
2803The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2804C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2805provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2806to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2807
2808When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2809all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2810and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2811fine.
2812
2813If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2814C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2815
2063=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2816=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2064 2817
2065If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2818If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2066defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2819defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2067code. 2820code.
2068 2821
2822=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2823
2824If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2825defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2826code.
2827
2069=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2828=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2070 2829
2071If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2830If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2072defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2831defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2073 2832
2077defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2836defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2078 2837
2079=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2838=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2080 2839
2081If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2840If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2841defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2842
2843=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2844
2845If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2082defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2846defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2083 2847
2084=item EV_MINIMAL 2848=item EV_MINIMAL
2085 2849
2086If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2850If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2094than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2858than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2095increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2859increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2096 2860
2097=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2861=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2098 2862
2099C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2863C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2100inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2864inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2101usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2865usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2102watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2866watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2103two). 2867two).
2104 2868
2121 2885
2122=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2886=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2123 2887
2124Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2888Can 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 2889and 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 2890definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2127their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2891their 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 2892avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2129method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2893method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2894
2895=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2896
2897If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2898exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2899all public symbols, one per line:
2900
2901 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2902 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2903
2904This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2905multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2906itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2907
2908A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2909include before including F<ev.h>:
2910
2911 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2912
2913This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2914
2915 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2916 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2917 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2918 ...
2130 2919
2131=head2 EXAMPLES 2920=head2 EXAMPLES
2132 2921
2133For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2922For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2134verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2923verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2137interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2926interface) 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 2927will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2139file. 2928file.
2140 2929
2141The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2930The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2142that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2931that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2143 2932
2933 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2144 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2934 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2145 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2935 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2146 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2936 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2937 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2938 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2147 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2939 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2940 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2941 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2148 2942
2149 #include "ev++.h" 2943 #include "ev++.h"
2150 2944
2151And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2945And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2152 2946
2158 2952
2159In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2953In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2160libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2954libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2161documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2955documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2162 2956
2957All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2958extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2959happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2960mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2961it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2962
2163=over 4 2963=over 4
2164 2964
2165=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2965=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2166 2966
2967This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2968there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2969have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2970
2167=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2971=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2168 2972
2973That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2974as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2975
2169=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2976=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2170 2977
2978These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2979
2171=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2980=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2172 2981
2173=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2982=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2174 2983
2984These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2985correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2986have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2987
2175=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2988=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2989
2990By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2991beginning of the storage array.
2176 2992
2177=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2993=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2178 2994
2179=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2995A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2996libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2997on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2998
2999=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3000
3001=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3002
3003Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3004priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3005linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3006watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3007
3008=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3009
3010=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3011
3012=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3013
3014Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3015calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3016involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2180 3017
2181=back 3018=back
2182 3019
2183 3020
3021=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3022
3023Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3024requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3025model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3026the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3027descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3028e.g. cygwin.
3029
3030There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3031embedding it into other applications.
3032
3033Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3034abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3035recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3036a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3037implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3038be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3039
3040=over 4
3041
3042=item The winsocket select function
3043
3044The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3045socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3046very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3047to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3048C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3049symbols for more info.
3050
3051The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3052libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3053
3054 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3055 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3056
3057Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3058complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3059
3060=item Limited number of file descriptors
3061
3062Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3063of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3064(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3065C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3066chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3067
3068Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3069to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3070call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3071select emulation on windows).
3072
3073Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
3074libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3075or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3076C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3077arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3078libraries.
3079
3080This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3081windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3082wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3083calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3084
3085=back
3086
3087
2184=head1 AUTHOR 3088=head1 AUTHOR
2185 3089
2186Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3090Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2187 3091

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines