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Revision 1.47 by root, Mon Nov 26 19:49:36 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.59 by root, Wed Nov 28 17:32:24 2007 UTC

3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 72with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
73(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
74watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
75C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
76file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
77(C<ev_fork>).
78
79It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 81for example).
33 82
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 83=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 84
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 91
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 93
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 99it, you should treat it as such.
52 100
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 102
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 104library in any way.
58 105
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 127not a problem.
81 128
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 130version.
84 131
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 132 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 135
118 165
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 167
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 169
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
175function.
128 176
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 180
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 182retries).
135 183
136 static void * 184 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 186 {
139 for (;;) 187 for (;;)
140 { 188 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 189 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 190
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 209(such as abort).
162 210
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 212
165 static void 213 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 214 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 215 {
168 perror (msg); 216 perror (msg);
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 362Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 363always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 364handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 365undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 366
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 367Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 368
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 369 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 370 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 371 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 372
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 471 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 472 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 473 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 474 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 475
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 476Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 477anymore.
430 478
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 479 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 480 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 481 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 501visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 502no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 503way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 504libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 505
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 506Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 507running when nothing else is active.
460 508
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 509 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 510 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 511 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 512 evf_unref (loop);
465 513
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 514Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 515
468 ev_ref (myloop); 516 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 517 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 518
471=back 519=back
472 520
473 521
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 522=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 592The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 593
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 594=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 595
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 596The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
597
598=item C<EV_STAT>
599
600The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 601
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 602=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 603
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 604The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 605
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 613received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
562many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 614many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
563(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 615(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 616C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 617
618=item C<EV_EMBED>
619
620The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
621
622=item C<EV_FORK>
623
624The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
625C<ev_fork>).
626
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 627=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 628
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 629An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 630happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
570ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 631ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
644events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 705events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
645is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 706is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
646C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 707C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
648 709
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 711
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 713
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 715
682 { 743 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 744 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 745 ...
685 } 746 }
686 747
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 748More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 749instead have been omitted.
750
751Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
752watchers:
753
754 struct my_biggy
755 {
756 int some_data;
757 ev_timer t1;
758 ev_timer t2;
759 }
760
761In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
762you need to use C<offsetof>:
763
764 #include <stddef.h>
765
766 static void
767 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
768 {
769 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
770 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
771 }
772
773 static void
774 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
775 {
776 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
777 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
778 }
689 779
690 780
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 781=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 782
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 783This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 784information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
785functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
786
787Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
788while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
789sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
790watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
791means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
792is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
793sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
794not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 795
696 796
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 797=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 798
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 799I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
742 842
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 843Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
744rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 844rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 845C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 846
847=item int fd [read-only]
848
849The file descriptor being watched.
850
851=item int events [read-only]
852
853The events being watched.
854
747=back 855=back
748 856
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 857Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 858readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 859attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 860
753 static void 861 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 862 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 863 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 864 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
814 922
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 923If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 924value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value.
817 925
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 926This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
819example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 927example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called
820timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 928idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been,
821seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 929say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do
822configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 930this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling
823time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 931C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
824state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 932you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
825the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 933socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if
934need be.
935
936You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether
937and only ever use the C<repeat> value:
938
939 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
940 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
941 ...
942 timer->again = 17.;
943 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
944 ...
945 timer->again = 10.;
946 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
947
948This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want
949to modify its timeout value.
950
951=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
952
953The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
954or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
955which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 956
827=back 957=back
828 958
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 959Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 960
831 static void 961 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 962 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 963 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 964 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 966
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 967 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 968 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 969 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 970
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 971Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 972inactivity.
843 973
844 static void 974 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 975 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 976 {
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1087Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1088when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
959a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1089a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1090program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1091
1092=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1093
1094The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1095take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1096called.
1097
1098=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1099
1100The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1101switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1102the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1103
962=back 1104=back
963 1105
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1106Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1107system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1108potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1109
968 static void 1110 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1111 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1115
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1116 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1117 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1118 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1119
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1120Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1121
980 #include <math.h> 1122 #include <math.h>
981 1123
982 static ev_tstamp 1124 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1125 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1127 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1128 }
987 1129
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1130 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1131
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1132Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1133
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1134 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1135 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1136 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1137 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1158=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1159
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1160Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1161of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1162
1163=item int signum [read-only]
1164
1165The signal the watcher watches out for.
1166
1021=back 1167=back
1022 1168
1023 1169
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1170=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1171
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1183at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1038the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1184the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1039C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1185C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1186process causing the status change.
1041 1187
1188=item int pid [read-only]
1189
1190The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1191
1192=item int rpid [read-write]
1193
1194The process id that detected a status change.
1195
1196=item int rstatus [read-write]
1197
1198The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1199C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1200
1042=back 1201=back
1043 1202
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1203Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1204
1046 static void 1205 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1206 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1207 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1208 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1050 } 1209 }
1051 1210
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1211 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1212 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1213 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1214
1215
1216=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1217
1218This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1219C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1220compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1221
1222The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1223not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1224not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1225otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1226the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1227
1228Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1229calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1230can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1231a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1232unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1233five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1234impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1235usually overkill.
1236
1237This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1238as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1239resource-intensive.
1240
1241At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1242implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1243reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1244semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1245to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1246usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1247polling.
1248
1249=over 4
1250
1251=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1252
1253=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1254
1255Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1256C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1257be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1258a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1259path for as long as the watcher is active.
1260
1261The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1262relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1263last change was detected).
1264
1265=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1266
1267Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1268watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1269detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1270useful simply to find out the new values.
1271
1272=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1273
1274The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1275C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1276suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1277was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1278
1279=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1280
1281The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1282C<prev> != C<attr>.
1283
1284=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1285
1286The specified interval.
1287
1288=item const char *path [read-only]
1289
1290The filesystem path that is being watched.
1291
1292=back
1293
1294Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1295
1296 static void
1297 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1298 {
1299 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1300 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1301 {
1302 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1303 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1304 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1305 }
1306 else
1307 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1308 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1309 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1310 }
1311
1312 ...
1313 ev_stat passwd;
1314
1315 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1316 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1055 1317
1056 1318
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1319=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1320
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1321Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1342kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1343believe me.
1082 1344
1083=back 1345=back
1084 1346
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1347Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1348callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1349
1088 static void 1350 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1351 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1352 {
1091 free (w); 1353 free (w);
1292 1554
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1555Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1556similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 1557apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 1558
1559=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1560
1561The embedded event loop.
1562
1563=back
1564
1565
1566=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1567
1568Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1569whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1570C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1571event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1572and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1573C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1574handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1575
1576=over 4
1577
1578=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1579
1580Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1581kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1582believe me.
1583
1297=back 1584=back
1298 1585
1299 1586
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1587=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1301 1588
1463 1750
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1751=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1465 1752
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1753Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1467 1754
1755=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1756
1757Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1758
1468=back 1759=back
1469 1760
1470=back 1761=back
1471 1762
1472Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1763Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 1775 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 1776 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 1777 {
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1778 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 1779 }
1780
1781
1782=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1783
1784Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1785C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1786callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1787
1788To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1789following macros are defined:
1790
1791=over 4
1792
1793=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1794
1795This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1796loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1797C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1798
1799 ev_unref (EV_A);
1800 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1801 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1802
1803It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1804which is often provided by the following macro.
1805
1806=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1807
1808This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1809loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1810C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1811
1812 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1813 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1814
1815 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1816 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1817
1818It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1819suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1820
1821=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1822
1823Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1824loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1825
1826=back
1827
1828Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of
1829wether multiple loops are supported or not.
1830
1831 static void
1832 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1833 {
1834 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835 }
1836
1837 ev_check check;
1838 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1839 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1840 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1841
1489 1842
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 1843=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 1844
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1845Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1846applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1668 2021
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2022=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2023
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2024reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2025
2026=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2027
2028If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2029interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2030be detected at runtime.
2031
1673=item EV_H 2032=item EV_H
1674 2033
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2034The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1676undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2035undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1677can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2036can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1716=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2075=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1717 2076
1718If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2077If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
1719defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2078defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1720 2079
2080=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2081
2082If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2083defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2084
1721=item EV_MINIMAL 2085=item EV_MINIMAL
1722 2086
1723If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2087If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1724speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2088speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1725some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2089some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2090
2091=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2092
2093C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2094pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2095than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2096increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2097
2098=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2099
2100C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2101inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2102usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2103watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2104two).
1726 2105
1727=item EV_COMMON 2106=item EV_COMMON
1728 2107
1729By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2108By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1730this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2109this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1790 2169
1791=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2170=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1792 2171
1793=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2172=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1794 2173
1795=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2174=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1796 2175
1797=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2176=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1798 2177
1799=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2178=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1800 2179

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