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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.59 by root, Wed Nov 28 17:32:24 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.99 by root, Sat Dec 22 06:16:36 2007 UTC

48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
109 115
110Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
111C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
112you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
113 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
114=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
115 127
116=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 129
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 142not a problem.
128 143
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 145version.
266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
269around bugs. 284around bugs.
270 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
271=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
272 307
273This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
274libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
275but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
284lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
285 320
286=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
287 322
288For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
289but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
290O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
291either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
292 330
293While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
294result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
295(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
296best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
297well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
298 336
299Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
300need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
301(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
302 340
303=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
304 342
305Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
306was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
307anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
346useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
308completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 347is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
309unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 348unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
310C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 349C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
350system like NetBSD.
311 351
312It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 352It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
313kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 353kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
314course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 354of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
315extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 355never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
316incident, so its best to avoid that. 356changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
357silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
317 358
318=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 359=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
319 360
320This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 361This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
321 362
322=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 363=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
323 364
324This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 365This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
325it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 366it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
326 367
327Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 368Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
328notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 369notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
329blocking when no data (or space) is available. 370blocking when no data (or space) is available.
330 371
331=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 372=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
332 373
375Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 416Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
376etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 417etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
377sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 418sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
378responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 419responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
379calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 420calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
380the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 421the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
381for example). 422for example).
423
424Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
425this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
426would need to be stopped manually.
427
428In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
429rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
430pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
431C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
382 432
383=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 433=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
384 434
385Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 435Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
386earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 436earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
410 460
411Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 461Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
412C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 462C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
413after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 463after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
414 464
465=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
466
467Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
468the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
469happily wraps around with enough iterations.
470
471This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
472"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
473C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
474
415=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 475=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
416 476
417Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 477Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
418use. 478use.
419 479
421 481
422Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 482Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
423received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 483received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
424change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 484change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
425time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 485time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
426event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 486event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
427 487
428=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 488=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
429 489
430Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 490Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
431after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 491after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
452libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 512libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
453usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 513usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
454 514
455Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 515Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
456 516
517 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
457 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 518 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
458 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 519 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
459 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 520 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
460 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 521 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
461 - Update the "event loop time". 522 - Update the "event loop time".
462 - Calculate for how long to block. 523 - Calculate for how long to block.
463 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 524 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
514Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 575Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
515 576
516 ev_ref (loop); 577 ev_ref (loop);
517 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 578 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
518 579
580=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
581
582=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
583
584These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
585for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
586invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
587
588Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
589allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
590increase efficiency of loop iterations.
591
592The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
593handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
594the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
595events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
596overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
597
598By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
599time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
600at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
601C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null bvalue will
602introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
603
604Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
605to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
606latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
607will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
608any overhead in libev.
609
610Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
611interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
612interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
613usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
614as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
615
519=back 616=back
520 617
521 618
522=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 619=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
523 620
702=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 799=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
703 800
704Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 801Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
705events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 802events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
706is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 803is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
707C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 804C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 805make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
806it).
709 807
710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 808=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
711 809
712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 810Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
713 811
714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 812=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
715 813
716Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 814Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
717(modulo threads). 815(modulo threads).
816
817=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
818
819=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
820
821Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
822integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
823(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
824before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
825from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
826
827This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
828invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
829example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
830watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
831
832If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
833you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
834
835You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
836pending.
837
838The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
839always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
840
841Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
842fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
843or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
844
845=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
846
847Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
848C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
849can deal with that fact.
850
851=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
852
853If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
854and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
855watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
718 856
719=back 857=back
720 858
721 859
722=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 860=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
828it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 966it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
829C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 967C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
830 968
831If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 969If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
832play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 970play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
833wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 971whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
834such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 972such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
835its own, so its quite safe to use). 973its own, so its quite safe to use).
974
975=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
976
977Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
978descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
979such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
980descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
981this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
982registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
983fact, a different file descriptor.
984
985To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
986the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
987will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
988it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
989you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
990descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
991
992This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
993the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
994optimisations to libev.
995
996=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
997
998Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
999but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1000have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1001file descriptor might actually receive events.
1002
1003There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1004for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1005C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1006
1007=head3 The special problem of fork
1008
1009Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1010useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1011it in the child.
1012
1013To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1014C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1015enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1016C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1017
1018
1019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
836 1020
837=over 4 1021=over 4
838 1022
839=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1023=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
840 1024
894 1078
895The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1079The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
896but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1080but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
897order of execution is undefined. 1081order of execution is undefined.
898 1082
1083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1084
899=over 4 1085=over 4
900 1086
901=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1087=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
902 1088
903=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1089=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
916=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1102=item ev_timer_again (loop)
917 1103
918This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1104This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
919repeating. The exact semantics are: 1105repeating. The exact semantics are:
920 1106
1107If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1108
921If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1109If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
922 1110
923If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1111If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
924value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1112C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
925 1113
926This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1114This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
927example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1115example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
928idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1116timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
929say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1117seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
930this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1118configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
931C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1119C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
932you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1120you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
933socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1121socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
934need be. 1122automatically restart it if need be.
935 1123
936You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1124That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
937and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1125altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
938 1126
939 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1127 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
940 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1128 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
941 ... 1129 ...
942 timer->again = 17.; 1130 timer->again = 17.;
943 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
944 ... 1132 ...
945 timer->again = 10.; 1133 timer->again = 10.;
946 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
947 1135
948This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1136This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
949to modify its timeout value. 1137you want to modify its timeout value.
950 1138
951=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1139=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
952 1140
953The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1141The 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), 1142or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
996but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1184but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
997to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1185to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
998periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1186periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
999+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1187+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1000take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1188take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1001roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1189roughly 10 seconds later).
1002again).
1003 1190
1004They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1191They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1005triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1192triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1193rules.
1006 1194
1007As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1195As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1008time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1196time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1009during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1197during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1010 1198
1199=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1200
1011=over 4 1201=over 4
1012 1202
1013=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1203=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1014 1204
1015=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1205=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1017Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1207Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1018operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1208operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1019 1209
1020=over 4 1210=over 4
1021 1211
1022=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1212=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1023 1213
1024In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1214In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1025C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1215C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1026that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1216that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1027system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1217system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1028 1218
1029=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1219=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1030 1220
1031In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1221In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1032C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1222C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1033of any time jumps. 1223and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1034 1224
1035This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1225This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1036time: 1226time:
1037 1227
1038 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1228 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1044 1234
1045Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1235Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1046C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1236C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1047time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1237time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1048 1238
1239For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1240C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1241this value.
1242
1049=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1243=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1050 1244
1051In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1245In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1052ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1246ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1053reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1247reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1054current time as second argument. 1248current time as second argument.
1055 1249
1056NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1250NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1057ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1251ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1058return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1252return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1059starting a prepare watcher). 1253starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1060 1254
1061Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1255Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1062ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1256ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1063 1257
1064 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1258 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1087Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1281Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1088when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1282when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1089a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1283a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1090program when the crontabs have changed). 1284program when the crontabs have changed).
1091 1285
1286=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1287
1288When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1289absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1290
1291Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1292timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1293
1092=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1294=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1093 1295
1094The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1296The 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 1297take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1096called. 1298called.
1098=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1300=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1099 1301
1100The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1302The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1101switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1303switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1102the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1304the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1305
1306=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1307
1308When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1309trigger next.
1103 1310
1104=back 1311=back
1105 1312
1106Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1313Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1107system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1314system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1149with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1356with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1150as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1357as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1151watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1358watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1152SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1359SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1153 1360
1361=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1362
1154=over 4 1363=over 4
1155 1364
1156=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1157 1366
1158=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1367=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1169 1378
1170=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1379=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1171 1380
1172Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1381Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1173some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1382some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1383
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1385
1175=over 4 1386=over 4
1176 1387
1177=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1388=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1178 1389
1222The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1433The 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 1434not 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 1435not 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 1436otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1226the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1437the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1438
1439The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1440relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1227 1441
1228Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1442Since 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 1443calls 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 1444can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1231a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1445a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1243reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1457reader). 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 1458semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1245to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1459to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1246usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1460usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1247polling. 1461polling.
1462
1463=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1248 1464
1249=over 4 1465=over 4
1250 1466
1251=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1467=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1252 1468
1316 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1532 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1317 1533
1318 1534
1319=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1535=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1320 1536
1321Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1537Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1322(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1538priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1323as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1539count).
1324imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1540
1325watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1541That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1542(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1543triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1544are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1326until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1545iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1327busy. 1546and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1328 1547
1329The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1548The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1330active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1549active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1331 1550
1332Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1551Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1333effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1552effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1334"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1553"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1335event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1554event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1555
1556=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1336 1557
1337=over 4 1558=over 4
1338 1559
1339=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1560=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1340 1561
1398with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1619with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1399of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1620of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1400loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1621loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1401low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1622low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1402 1623
1624It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1625priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1626after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1627too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1628supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1629their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1630loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1631C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1632others).
1633
1634=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1635
1403=over 4 1636=over 4
1404 1637
1405=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1638=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1406 1639
1407=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1640=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1410parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1643parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1411macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1644macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1412 1645
1413=back 1646=back
1414 1647
1415Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1648There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1416and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1649into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1650(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1651use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1652embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1653into the Glib event loop).
1654
1655Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1417in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1656and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1418pseudo-code only of course: 1657is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1658priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1659the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1419 1660
1420 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1661 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1421 static ev_timer tw; 1662 static ev_timer tw;
1422 1663
1423 static void 1664 static void
1424 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1665 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1425 { 1666 {
1426 // set the relevant poll flags
1427 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1428 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1429 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1430 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1431 } 1667 }
1432 1668
1433 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1669 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1434 static void 1670 static void
1435 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1671 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1436 { 1672 {
1437 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1673 int timeout = 3600000;
1674 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1438 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1675 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1439 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1676 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1440 1677
1441 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1678 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1442 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1679 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1443 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1680 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1444 1681
1445 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1682 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1446 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1683 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1447 { 1684 {
1448 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1685 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1449 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1686 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1450 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1687 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1451 1688
1452 fds [i].revents = 0; 1689 fds [i].revents = 0;
1453 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1454 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1690 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1455 } 1691 }
1456 } 1692 }
1457 1693
1458 // stop all watchers after blocking 1694 // stop all watchers after blocking
1460 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1696 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1461 { 1697 {
1462 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1698 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1463 1699
1464 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1700 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1701 {
1702 // set the relevant poll flags
1703 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1704 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1705 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1706 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1707 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1708
1709 // now stop the watcher
1465 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1710 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1711 }
1466 1712
1467 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1713 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1714 }
1715
1716Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1717in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1718
1719Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1720notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1721callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1722
1723 static void
1724 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1725 {
1726 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1727 update_now (EV_A);
1728
1729 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1730 }
1731
1732 static void
1733 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1734 {
1735 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1736 update_now (EV_A);
1737
1738 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1739 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1740 }
1741
1742 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1743
1744Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1745want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1746their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1747loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1748this.
1749
1750 static gint
1751 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1752 {
1753 int got_events = 0;
1754
1755 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1756 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1757
1758 if (timeout >= 0)
1759 // create/start timer
1760
1761 // poll
1762 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1763
1764 // stop timer again
1765 if (timeout >= 0)
1766 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1767
1768 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1769 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1770 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1771
1772 return got_events;
1468 } 1773 }
1469 1774
1470 1775
1471=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1776=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1472 1777
1473This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1778This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1474into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1779into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1475loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1780loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1476fashion and must not be used). 1781fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1477 1782
1478There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1783There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1479prioritise I/O. 1784prioritise I/O.
1480 1785
1481As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1786As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1536 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1841 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1537 } 1842 }
1538 else 1843 else
1539 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1844 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1540 1845
1846=head2 Portability notes
1847
1848Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1849tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1850receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1851loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1852will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1853
1854While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1855C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1856work.
1857
1858When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1859usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1860your main event loop.
1861
1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1863
1541=over 4 1864=over 4
1542 1865
1543=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1866=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1544 1867
1545=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1868=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1554 1877
1555Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1878Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1556similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1879similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1557apropriate way for embedded loops. 1880apropriate way for embedded loops.
1558 1881
1559=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1882=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1560 1883
1561The embedded event loop. 1884The embedded event loop.
1562 1885
1563=back 1886=back
1564 1887
1571event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1894event 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 1895and 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 1896C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1574handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1897handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1575 1898
1899=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1900
1576=over 4 1901=over 4
1577 1902
1578=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1903=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1579 1904
1580Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1905Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1676 2001
1677To use it, 2002To use it,
1678 2003
1679 #include <ev++.h> 2004 #include <ev++.h>
1680 2005
1681(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2006This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1682and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2007of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1683namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2008put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2009options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1684 2010
1685It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2011Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1686C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2012classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2013that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2014you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2015
2016Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2017used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2018need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2019types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2020it).
1687 2021
1688Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2022Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1689 2023
1690=over 4 2024=over 4
1691 2025
1707 2041
1708All of those classes have these methods: 2042All of those classes have these methods:
1709 2043
1710=over 4 2044=over 4
1711 2045
1712=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2046=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1713 2047
1714=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2048=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1715 2049
1716=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2050=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1717 2051
1718The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2052The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1719the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2053with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1720C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2054
1721before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2055The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1722automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2056C<set> method before starting it.
2057
2058It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2059method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2060
2061(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2062not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1723 2063
1724The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2064The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2065
2066=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2067
2068This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2069signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2070first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2071parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2072
2073This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2074the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2075callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2076your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2077thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2078
2079Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2080
2081 struct myclass
2082 {
2083 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2084 }
2085
2086 myclass obj;
2087 ev::io iow;
2088 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2089
2090=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2091
2092Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2093callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2094C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2095
2096The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2097
2098See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2099
2100Example:
2101
2102 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2103 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1725 2104
1726=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2105=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1727 2106
1728Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2107Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1729do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2108do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1730 2109
1731=item w->set ([args]) 2110=item w->set ([args])
1732 2111
1733Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2112Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1734called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2113called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1735automatically stopped and restarted. 2114automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2115method.
1736 2116
1737=item w->start () 2117=item w->start ()
1738 2118
1739Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2119Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1740constructor already takes the loop. 2120constructor already stores the event loop.
1741 2121
1742=item w->stop () 2122=item w->stop ()
1743 2123
1744Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2124Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1745 2125
1746=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2126=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1747 2127
1748For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2128For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1749C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2129C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1750 2130
1751=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2131=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1752 2132
1753Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2133Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1754 2134
1755=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2135=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1756 2136
1757Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2137Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1758 2138
1759=back 2139=back
1760 2140
1770 2150
1771 myclass (); 2151 myclass ();
1772 } 2152 }
1773 2153
1774 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2154 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1775 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1776 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1777 { 2155 {
2156 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2157 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2158
1778 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2159 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1779 } 2160 }
1780 2161
1781 2162
1782=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2163=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1783 2164
1784Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2165Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1785C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2166of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1786callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2167functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1787 2168
1788To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2169To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1789following macros are defined: 2170following macros are defined:
1790 2171
1791=over 4 2172=over 4
1823Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2204Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1824loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2205loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1825 2206
1826=back 2207=back
1827 2208
1828Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2209Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1829wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2210macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2211or not.
1830 2212
1831 static void 2213 static void
1832 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2214 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1833 { 2215 {
1834 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2216 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1837 ev_check check; 2219 ev_check check;
1838 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2220 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1839 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2221 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1840 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2222 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1841 2223
1842
1843=head1 EMBEDDING 2224=head1 EMBEDDING
1844 2225
1845Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2226Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1846applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2227applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1847Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2228Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1848and rxvt-unicode. 2229and rxvt-unicode.
1849 2230
1850The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2231The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1851source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2232source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1852you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2233you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1853libev somewhere in your source tree). 2234libev somewhere in your source tree).
1854 2235
1855=head2 FILESETS 2236=head2 FILESETS
1886 ev_vars.h 2267 ev_vars.h
1887 ev_wrap.h 2268 ev_wrap.h
1888 2269
1889 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2270 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1890 2271
1891 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2272 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1892 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2273 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2274 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2275 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1895 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2276 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1896 2277
1945 2326
1946If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2327If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1947monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2328monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1948of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2329of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1949usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2330usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1950the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2331the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1951to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2332to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1952function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2333function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1953 2334
1954=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2335=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1955 2336
1956If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2337If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1957realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2338realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1958runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2339runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1959be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2340be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1960(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2341(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1961in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2342note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2343
2344=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2345
2346If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2347and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1962 2348
1963=item EV_USE_SELECT 2349=item EV_USE_SELECT
1964 2350
1965If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2351If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1966C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2352C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2059will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2445will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2060additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2446additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2061for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2447for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2062argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2448argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2063 2449
2450=item EV_MINPRI
2451
2452=item EV_MAXPRI
2453
2454The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2455C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2456provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2457to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2458
2459When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2460all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2461and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2462fine.
2463
2464If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2465C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2466
2064=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2467=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2065 2468
2066If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2469If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2470defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2471code.
2472
2473=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2474
2475If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2067defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2476defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2068code. 2477code.
2069 2478
2070=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2479=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2071 2480
2122 2531
2123=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2532=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2124 2533
2125Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2534Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2126and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2535and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2127definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2536definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2128their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2537their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2129avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2538avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2130method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2539method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2540
2541=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2542
2543If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2544exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2545all public symbols, one per line:
2546
2547 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2548 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2549
2550This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2551multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2552itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2553
2554A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2555include before including F<ev.h>:
2556
2557 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2558
2559This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2560
2561 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2562 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2563 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2564 ...
2131 2565
2132=head2 EXAMPLES 2566=head2 EXAMPLES
2133 2567
2134For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2568For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2135verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2569verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2138interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2572interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2139will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2573will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2140file. 2574file.
2141 2575
2142The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2576The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2143that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2577that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2144 2578
2579 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2145 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2580 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2146 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2581 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2147 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2582 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2583 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2584 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2148 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2585 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2586 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2587 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2149 2588
2150 #include "ev++.h" 2589 #include "ev++.h"
2151 2590
2152And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2591And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2153 2592
2159 2598
2160In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2599In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2161libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2600libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2162documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2601documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2163 2602
2603All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2604extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2605happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2606mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2607it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2608
2164=over 4 2609=over 4
2165 2610
2166=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2611=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2167 2612
2613This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2614there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2615have to skip those 100 watchers.
2616
2168=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2617=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2169 2618
2619That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2620as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2621
2170=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2622=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2171 2623
2624These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2172=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2625=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2173 2626
2174=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2627=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2175 2628
2629These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2630correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2631have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2632
2176=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2633=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2177 2634
2178=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2635=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2179 2636
2637A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2638libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2639
2180=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2640=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2181 2641
2642=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2643
2644Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2645priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2646linearly search all the priorities.
2647
2182=back 2648=back
2183 2649
2184 2650
2185=head1 AUTHOR 2651=head1 AUTHOR
2186 2652

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines