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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
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>.
52 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 occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
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.
113 119
114=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
115 121
116=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 123
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 124You 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 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 126C<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 127symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 133Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 136not a problem.
128 137
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 139version.
163C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 172C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
164recommended ones. 173recommended ones.
165 174
166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
167 176
168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
169 178
170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
171identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
172memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
173allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
174action. The default is your system realloc function. 183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
184function.
175 185
176You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
177free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 187free 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. 188or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
179 189
265C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
266override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 276override 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 277useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
268around bugs. 278around bugs.
269 279
280=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
281
282Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
283a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
284enabling this flag.
285
286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
290without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292
293The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
294forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295flag.
296
297This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298environment variable.
299
270=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
271 301
272This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 302This 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, 303libev 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 304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
409 439
410Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 440Like 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 441C<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. 442after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
413 443
444=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445
446Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
447the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
448happily wraps around with enough iterations.
449
450This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
451"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
452C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
453
414=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 454=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
415 455
416Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 456Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
417use. 457use.
418 458
451libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 491libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
452usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 492usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
453 493
454Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 494Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
455 495
496 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 497 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
457 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 498 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
458 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 499 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
459 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 500 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
460 - Update the "event loop time". 501 - Update the "event loop time".
461 - Calculate for how long to block. 502 - Calculate for how long to block.
462 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 503 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
701=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 742=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 743
703Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 744Returns 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 745events 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 746is 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 747C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
707libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 748make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
749it).
708 750
709=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 751=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
710 752
711Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 753Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
712 754
713=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 755=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
714 756
715Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 757Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
716(modulo threads). 758(modulo threads).
759
760=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
761
762=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
763
764Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
765integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
766(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
767before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
768from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
769
770This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
771invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
772example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
773watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
774
775If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
776you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
777
778You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
779pending.
780
781The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
782always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
783
784Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
785fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
786or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
787
788=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
789
790Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
791C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
792can deal with that fact.
793
794=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
795
796If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
797and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
798watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
717 799
718=back 800=back
719 801
720 802
721=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 803=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
827it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 909it 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. 910C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
829 911
830If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 912If 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 913play 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 914whether 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 915such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
834its own, so its quite safe to use). 916its own, so its quite safe to use).
917
918=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919
920Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
922such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
926fact, a different file descriptor.
927
928To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
929the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
930will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
931it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
932you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
933descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
934
935This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937optimisations to libev.
938
939
940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
835 941
836=over 4 942=over 4
837 943
838=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 944=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
839 945
893 999
894The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1000The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
895but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1001but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
896order of execution is undefined. 1002order of execution is undefined.
897 1003
1004=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1005
898=over 4 1006=over 4
899 1007
900=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1008=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
901 1009
902=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1010=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
915=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1023=item ev_timer_again (loop)
916 1024
917This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1025This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
918repeating. The exact semantics are: 1026repeating. The exact semantics are:
919 1027
1028If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1029
920If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1030If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
921 1031
922If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1032If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
923value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1033C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
924 1034
925This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1035This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
926example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1036example: 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, 1037timeout, 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 1038seconds 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 1039configure 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 1040C<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 1041you 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 1042socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
933need be. 1043automatically restart it if need be.
934 1044
935You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1045That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
936and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1046altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
937 1047
938 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1048 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
939 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
940 ... 1050 ...
941 timer->again = 17.; 1051 timer->again = 17.;
942 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1052 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
943 ... 1053 ...
944 timer->again = 10.; 1054 timer->again = 10.;
945 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1055 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
946 1056
947This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1057This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
948to modify its timeout value. 1058you want to modify its timeout value.
949 1059
950=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1060=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
951 1061
952The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1062The 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), 1063or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
995but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1105but 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 1106to 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 () 1107periodic 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 1108+ 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 1109take 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 1110roughly 10 seconds later).
1001again).
1002 1111
1003They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1112They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1004triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1113triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1114rules.
1005 1115
1006As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1116As 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 1117time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1008during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1118during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1009 1119
1120=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1121
1010=over 4 1122=over 4
1011 1123
1012=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1124=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1013 1125
1014=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1126=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 1128Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1017operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1129operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1018 1130
1019=over 4 1131=over 4
1020 1132
1021=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1133=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1022 1134
1023In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1135In 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, 1136C<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 1137that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1026system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1138system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1027 1139
1028=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1140=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1029 1141
1030In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1142In 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 1143C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1032of any time jumps. 1144and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1033 1145
1034This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1146This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1035time: 1147time:
1036 1148
1037 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1149 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1043 1155
1044Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1156Another 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 1157C<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. 1158time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1047 1159
1160For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1161C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1162this value.
1163
1048=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1164=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1049 1165
1050In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1166In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1051ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1167ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1052reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1168reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1053current time as second argument. 1169current time as second argument.
1054 1170
1055NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1171NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1056ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1172ever, 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 1173return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1058starting a prepare watcher). 1174starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1059 1175
1060Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1176Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1061ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1177ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1062 1178
1063 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1179 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1086Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1202Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1087when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1203when 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 1204a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1089program when the crontabs have changed). 1205program when the crontabs have changed).
1090 1206
1207=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1208
1209When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1210absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1211
1212Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1213timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1214
1091=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1215=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1092 1216
1093The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1217The 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 1218take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1095called. 1219called.
1097=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1221=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1098 1222
1099The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1223The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1100switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1224switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1101the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1225the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1226
1227=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1228
1229When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230trigger next.
1102 1231
1103=back 1232=back
1104 1233
1105Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1106system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1235system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1148with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1277with 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 1278as 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 1279watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1151SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1280SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1152 1281
1282=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283
1153=over 4 1284=over 4
1154 1285
1155=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1286=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1156 1287
1157=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1288=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1168 1299
1169=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1300=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1170 1301
1171Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1302Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1172some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1303some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1304
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1173 1306
1174=over 4 1307=over 4
1175 1308
1176=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1309=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1177 1310
1221The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1354The 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 1355not 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 1356not 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 1357otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1225the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1358the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1359
1360The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1361relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1226 1362
1227Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1363Since 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 1364calls 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 1365can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1230a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1366a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1242reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1378reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1243semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1379semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1244to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1380to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1245usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1381usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1246polling. 1382polling.
1383
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1247 1385
1248=over 4 1386=over 4
1249 1387
1250=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1388=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1251 1389
1315 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1453 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1316 1454
1317 1455
1318=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1456=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1319 1457
1320Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1458Idle 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 1459priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1322as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1460count).
1323imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1461
1324watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1462That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1463(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1464triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1465are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1325until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1466iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1326busy. 1467and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1327 1468
1328The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1469The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1329active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1470active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1330 1471
1331Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1472Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1332effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1473effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1333"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1474"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1334event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1475event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1476
1477=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1335 1478
1336=over 4 1479=over 4
1337 1480
1338=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1481=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1339 1482
1397with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1540with 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 1541of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1399loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1542loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1400low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1543low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1401 1544
1545It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1547after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1548too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1549supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1550their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1551loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1552C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1553others).
1554
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556
1402=over 4 1557=over 4
1403 1558
1404=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1559=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1405 1560
1406=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1561=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1409parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1564parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1410macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1565macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1411 1566
1412=back 1567=back
1413 1568
1414Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1569There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1415and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1570into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1573embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1574into the Glib event loop).
1575
1576Method 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 1577and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1417pseudo-code only of course: 1578is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1579priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1580the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1418 1581
1419 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1582 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1420 static ev_timer tw; 1583 static ev_timer tw;
1421 1584
1422 static void 1585 static void
1423 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1586 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1424 { 1587 {
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 } 1588 }
1431 1589
1432 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1590 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1433 static void 1591 static void
1434 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1592 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1435 { 1593 {
1436 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1594 int timeout = 3600000;
1595 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1437 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1596 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1438 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1597 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1439 1598
1440 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1599 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1441 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1600 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1442 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1601 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1443 1602
1444 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1603 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1445 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1604 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1446 { 1605 {
1447 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1606 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1448 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1607 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1449 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1608 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1450 1609
1451 fds [i].revents = 0; 1610 fds [i].revents = 0;
1452 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1453 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1611 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1454 } 1612 }
1455 } 1613 }
1456 1614
1457 // stop all watchers after blocking 1615 // stop all watchers after blocking
1459 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1617 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1460 { 1618 {
1461 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1619 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1462 1620
1463 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1621 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1622 {
1623 // set the relevant poll flags
1624 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1625 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1626 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1627 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1628 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1629
1630 // now stop the watcher
1464 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1631 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1632 }
1465 1633
1466 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1634 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1635 }
1636
1637Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1638in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1639
1640Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1641notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1642callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1643
1644 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 {
1647 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1648 update_now (EV_A);
1649
1650 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1651 }
1652
1653 static void
1654 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1655 {
1656 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1657 update_now (EV_A);
1658
1659 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1660 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1661 }
1662
1663 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1664
1665Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1666want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1667their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1668loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1669this.
1670
1671 static gint
1672 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1673 {
1674 int got_events = 0;
1675
1676 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1677 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1678
1679 if (timeout >= 0)
1680 // create/start timer
1681
1682 // poll
1683 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1684
1685 // stop timer again
1686 if (timeout >= 0)
1687 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1688
1689 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1690 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1691 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1692
1693 return got_events;
1467 } 1694 }
1468 1695
1469 1696
1470=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1697=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1471 1698
1535 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1762 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1536 } 1763 }
1537 else 1764 else
1538 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1765 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1539 1766
1767=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1768
1540=over 4 1769=over 4
1541 1770
1542=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1771=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1543 1772
1544=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1773=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1570event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1799event 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 1800and 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 1801C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1573handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1802handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1574 1803
1804=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1805
1575=over 4 1806=over 4
1576 1807
1577=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1808=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1578 1809
1579Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1810Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1675 1906
1676To use it, 1907To use it,
1677 1908
1678 #include <ev++.h> 1909 #include <ev++.h>
1679 1910
1680(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1911This 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 1912of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1682namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1913put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1914options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1683 1915
1684It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1916Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1685C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1917classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1918that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1919you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1920
1921Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1922used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1923need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1924types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1925it).
1686 1926
1687Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1927Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1688 1928
1689=over 4 1929=over 4
1690 1930
1706 1946
1707All of those classes have these methods: 1947All of those classes have these methods:
1708 1948
1709=over 4 1949=over 4
1710 1950
1711=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1951=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1712 1952
1713=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1953=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1714 1954
1715=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1955=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1716 1956
1717The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1957The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1718the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1958with. 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 1959
1720before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1960The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1721automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1961C<set> method before starting it.
1962
1963It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1964method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1965
1966(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1967not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1722 1968
1723The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1969The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1970
1971=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1972
1973This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1974signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1975first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1976parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1977
1978This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1979the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1980callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1981your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1982thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1983
1984Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1985
1986 struct myclass
1987 {
1988 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1989 }
1990
1991 myclass obj;
1992 ev::io iow;
1993 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1994
1995=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1996
1997Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1998callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1999C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2000
2001The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2002
2003See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2004
2005Example:
2006
2007 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2008 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1724 2009
1725=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2010=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1726 2011
1727Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2012Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1728do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2013do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1729 2014
1730=item w->set ([args]) 2015=item w->set ([args])
1731 2016
1732Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2017Basically 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 2018called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1734automatically stopped and restarted. 2019automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2020method.
1735 2021
1736=item w->start () 2022=item w->start ()
1737 2023
1738Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2024Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1739constructor already takes the loop. 2025constructor already stores the event loop.
1740 2026
1741=item w->stop () 2027=item w->stop ()
1742 2028
1743Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2029Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1744 2030
1745=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2031=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1746 2032
1747For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2033For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1748C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2034C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1749 2035
1750=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2036=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1751 2037
1752Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2038Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1753 2039
1754=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2040=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1755 2041
1756Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2042Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1757 2043
1758=back 2044=back
1759 2045
1769 2055
1770 myclass (); 2056 myclass ();
1771 } 2057 }
1772 2058
1773 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2059 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1774 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1775 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1776 { 2060 {
2061 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063
1777 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2064 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1778 } 2065 }
1779 2066
1780 2067
1781=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2068=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1782 2069
1783Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2070Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1784C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2071of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1785callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2072functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1786 2073
1787To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2074To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1788following macros are defined: 2075following macros are defined:
1789 2076
1790=over 4 2077=over 4
1822Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2109Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1823loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2110loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1824 2111
1825=back 2112=back
1826 2113
1827Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2114Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1828wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2115macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2116or not.
1829 2117
1830 static void 2118 static void
1831 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2119 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 { 2120 {
1833 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2121 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835 2123
1836 ev_check check; 2124 ev_check check;
1837 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2125 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1838 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2126 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1839 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2127 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1840
1841 2128
1842=head1 EMBEDDING 2129=head1 EMBEDDING
1843 2130
1844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2131Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2132applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1885 ev_vars.h 2172 ev_vars.h
1886 ev_wrap.h 2173 ev_wrap.h
1887 2174
1888 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2175 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1889 2176
1890 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2177 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) 2178 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) 2179 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) 2180 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) 2181 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1895 2182
2058will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2345will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2059additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2346additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2060for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2347for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2061argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2348argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2062 2349
2350=item EV_MINPRI
2351
2352=item EV_MAXPRI
2353
2354The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2355C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2356provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2357to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2358
2359When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2360all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2361and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2362fine.
2363
2364If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2365C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2366
2063=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2367=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2064 2368
2065If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2369If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2370defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2371code.
2372
2373=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2374
2375If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2066defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2376defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2067code. 2377code.
2068 2378
2069=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2379=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2070 2380
2137interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2447interface) 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 2448will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2139file. 2449file.
2140 2450
2141The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2451The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2142that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2452that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2143 2453
2454 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2144 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2455 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2145 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2456 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2146 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2457 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2458 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2459 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2147 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2460 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2461 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2462 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2148 2463
2149 #include "ev++.h" 2464 #include "ev++.h"
2150 2465
2151And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2466And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2152 2467
2158 2473
2159In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2474In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2160libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2475libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2161documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2476documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2162 2477
2478All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2479extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2480happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2481mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2482it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2483
2163=over 4 2484=over 4
2164 2485
2165=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2486=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2166 2487
2488This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2489there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2490have to skip those 100 watchers.
2491
2167=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2492=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2168 2493
2494That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2495as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2496
2169=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2497=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2170 2498
2499These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2171=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2500=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2172 2501
2173=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2502=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2174 2503
2504These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2505correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2506have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2507
2175=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2508=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2176 2509
2177=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2510=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2178 2511
2512A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2513libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2514
2179=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2515=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2180 2516
2517=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518
2519Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521linearly search all the priorities.
2522
2181=back 2523=back
2182 2524
2183 2525
2184=head1 AUTHOR 2526=head1 AUTHOR
2185 2527

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