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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
78 82
79It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
81for example). 85for example).
82 86
83=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
84 88
85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
91 95
92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
93 97
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
109 115
110Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
111C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
112you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
113 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
114=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
115 127
116=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 129
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 142not a problem.
128 143
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 145version.
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag. 290enabling this flag.
276 291
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
278and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticable (on my 294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
281without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283 298
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
291=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
292 307
293This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
294libev 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,
295but 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
296using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
297the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration.
298 320
299=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
300 322
301And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
302select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
303number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
304lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips.
305 329
306=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
307 331
308For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
309but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
310O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
311either O(1) or O(active_fds). 335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup.
312 339
313While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
314result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
315(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
316best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
317well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
318 345
319Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
320need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
321(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
322 349
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
353
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far.
356
323=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
324 358
325Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
326was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
327anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
328completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
329unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
330C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD.
366
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
331 370
332It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
333kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
334course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
335extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
336incident, so its best to avoid that. 375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
385sockets.
337 386
338=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
339 388
340This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
391and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
392immensely.
341 393
342=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
343 395
344This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
345it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
346 398
347Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
348notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
349blocking when no data (or space) is available. 401blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better.
350 407
351=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
352 409
353Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
354with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
355C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
356 415
357=back 416=back
358 417
359If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
360backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
395Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
396etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
397sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
398responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
399calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
400the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
401for example). 460for example).
461
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
464would need to be stopped manually.
465
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
402 470
403=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
404 472
405Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
406earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
430 498
431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
432C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434 502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
512
435=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
436 514
437Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
438use. 516use.
439 517
441 519
442Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 520Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
443received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
444change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
445time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
446event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
447 525
448=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
449 527
450Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
451after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
472libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
473usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
474 552
475Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
476 554
477 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
478 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
479 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
480 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
481 - Update the "event loop time". 561 - Update the "event loop time".
482 - Calculate for how long to block. 562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
483 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 566 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
484 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
485 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
486 - Queue all outstanding timers. 569 - Queue all outstanding timers.
487 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 570 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
488 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
489 - Queue all check watchers. 572 - Queue all check watchers.
490 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
491 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
492 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
493 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
494 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 577 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
578 continue with step *.
495 579
496Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 580Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
497anymore. 581anymore.
498 582
499 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 583 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
500 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
501 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
505 589
506Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
507has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
508C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
509C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594
595This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
510 596
511=item ev_ref (loop) 597=item ev_ref (loop)
512 598
513=item ev_unref (loop) 599=item ev_unref (loop)
514 600
534Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 620Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
535 621
536 ev_ref (loop); 622 ev_ref (loop);
537 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 623 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
538 624
625=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
626
627=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628
629These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
630for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
631invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
632
633Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
634allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
635increase efficiency of loop iterations.
636
637The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
638handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
639the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
640events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
641overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
642
643By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
644time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
645at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
646C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
647introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
648
649Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
650to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
651latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
652will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
653any overhead in libev.
654
655Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
656interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
657interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
658usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
659as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
660
539=back 661=back
540 662
541 663
542=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 664=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
543 665
722=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 844=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 845
724Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 846Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
725events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 847events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
726is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 848is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
727C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 849C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
728libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 850make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
851it).
729 852
730=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 853=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731 854
732Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 855Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
733 856
734=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 857=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
735 858
736Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 859Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
737(modulo threads). 860(modulo threads).
861
862=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
863
864=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
865
866Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
867integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
868(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
869before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
870from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
871
872This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
873invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
874example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
875watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
876
877If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
878you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
879
880You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
881pending.
882
883The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
884always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
885
886Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
887fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
888or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
889
890=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
891
892Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
893C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
894can deal with that fact.
895
896=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
897
898If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
899and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
900watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
738 901
739=back 902=back
740 903
741 904
742=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 905=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
827In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 990In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
828fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 991fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
829descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 992descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
830required if you know what you are doing). 993required if you know what you are doing).
831 994
832You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
833(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
834descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
835to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
836the same underlying "file open").
837
838If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 995If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
839(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 996(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
840C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 997C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
841 998
842Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 999Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
848it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1005it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
849C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1006C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
850 1007
851If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1008If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
852play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1009play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
853wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1010whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
854such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1011such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
855its own, so its quite safe to use). 1012its own, so its quite safe to use).
1013
1014=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1015
1016Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1017descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1018such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1019descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1020this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1021registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1022fact, a different file descriptor.
1023
1024To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1025the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1026will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1027it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1028you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1029descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1030
1031This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1032the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1033optimisations to libev.
1034
1035=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1036
1037Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1038but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1039have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1040events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1041
1042There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1043for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1044C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1045
1046=head3 The special problem of fork
1047
1048Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1049useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1050it in the child.
1051
1052To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1053C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1054enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1055C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1056
1057
1058=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
856 1059
857=over 4 1060=over 4
858 1061
859=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1062=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
860 1063
871=item int events [read-only] 1074=item int events [read-only]
872 1075
873The events being watched. 1076The events being watched.
874 1077
875=back 1078=back
1079
1080=head3 Examples
876 1081
877Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1082Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
878readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1083readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
879attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1084attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
880 1085
913 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1118 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
914 1119
915The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1120The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
916but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1121but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
917order of execution is undefined. 1122order of execution is undefined.
1123
1124=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
918 1125
919=over 4 1126=over 4
920 1127
921=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1128=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
922 1129
976or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1183or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
977which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1184which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
978 1185
979=back 1186=back
980 1187
1188=head3 Examples
1189
981Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1190Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
982 1191
983 static void 1192 static void
984 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1193 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
985 { 1194 {
1018but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1227but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1019to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1228to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1020periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1229periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1021+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1230+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1022take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1231take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1023roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1232roughly 10 seconds later).
1024again).
1025 1233
1026They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1234They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1027triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1235triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1236rules.
1028 1237
1029As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1238As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1030time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1239time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1031during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1240during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1032 1241
1242=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1243
1033=over 4 1244=over 4
1034 1245
1035=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1246=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1036 1247
1037=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1248=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1039Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1250Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1040operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1251operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1041 1252
1042=over 4 1253=over 4
1043 1254
1044=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1255=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1045 1256
1046In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1257In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1047C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1258C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1048that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1259that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1049system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1260system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1050 1261
1051=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1262=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1052 1263
1053In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1264In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1054C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1265C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1055of any time jumps. 1266and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1056 1267
1057This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1268This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1058time: 1269time:
1059 1270
1060 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1271 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1066 1277
1067Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1278Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1068C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1279C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1069time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1280time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1070 1281
1282For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1283C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1284this value.
1285
1071=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1286=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1072 1287
1073In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1288In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1074ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1289ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1075reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1290reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1076current time as second argument. 1291current time as second argument.
1077 1292
1078NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1293NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1079ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1294ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1080return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1295return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1081starting a prepare watcher). 1296starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1082 1297
1083Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1298Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1084ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1299ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1085 1300
1086 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1301 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1109Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1324Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1110when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1325when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1111a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1326a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1112program when the crontabs have changed). 1327program when the crontabs have changed).
1113 1328
1329=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1330
1331When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1332absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1333
1334Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1335timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1336
1114=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1337=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1115 1338
1116The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1339The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1117take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1340take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1118called. 1341called.
1121 1344
1122The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1345The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1123switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1346switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1124the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1347the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1125 1348
1349=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1350
1351When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1352trigger next.
1353
1126=back 1354=back
1355
1356=head3 Examples
1127 1357
1128Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1358Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1129system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1359system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1130potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1360potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1131 1361
1171with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1401with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1172as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1402as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1173watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1403watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1174SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1404SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1175 1405
1406=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1407
1176=over 4 1408=over 4
1177 1409
1178=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1410=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1179 1411
1180=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1412=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1191 1423
1192=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1424=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1193 1425
1194Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1426Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1195some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1427some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1428
1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1196 1430
1197=over 4 1431=over 4
1198 1432
1199=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1433=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1200 1434
1219 1453
1220The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1454The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1221C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1455C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1222 1456
1223=back 1457=back
1458
1459=head3 Examples
1224 1460
1225Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1461Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1226 1462
1227 static void 1463 static void
1228 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1464 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1269semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1505semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1270to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1506to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1271usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1507usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1272polling. 1508polling.
1273 1509
1510=head3 Inotify
1511
1512When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1513available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1514change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1515when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1516
1517Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1518except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1519making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1520there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1521
1522(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1523implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1524descriptor open on the object at all times).
1525
1526=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1527
1528The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1529even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1530only support whole seconds.
1531
1532That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1533miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1534your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1535the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1536
1537The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1538the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1539(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1540is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1541systems.
1542
1543=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1544
1274=over 4 1545=over 4
1275 1546
1276=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1547=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1277 1548
1278=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1549=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1313=item const char *path [read-only] 1584=item const char *path [read-only]
1314 1585
1315The filesystem path that is being watched. 1586The filesystem path that is being watched.
1316 1587
1317=back 1588=back
1589
1590=head3 Examples
1318 1591
1319Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1592Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1320 1593
1321 static void 1594 static void
1322 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1595 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1335 } 1608 }
1336 1609
1337 ... 1610 ...
1338 ev_stat passwd; 1611 ev_stat passwd;
1339 1612
1340 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1613 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1341 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1614 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1342 1615
1616Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1617miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1618one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1619C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1620
1621 static ev_stat passwd;
1622 static ev_timer timer;
1623
1624 static void
1625 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1626 {
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1628
1629 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1630 }
1631
1632 static void
1633 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1634 {
1635 /* reset the one-second timer */
1636 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1637 }
1638
1639 ...
1640 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1641 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1642 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1643
1343 1644
1344=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1645=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1345 1646
1346Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1647Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1347(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1648priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1348as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1649count).
1349imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1650
1350watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1651That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1652(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1653triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1654are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1351until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1655iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1352busy. 1656and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1353 1657
1354The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1658The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1355active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1659active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1356 1660
1357Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1661Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1358effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1662effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1359"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1663"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1360event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1664event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1361 1665
1666=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1667
1362=over 4 1668=over 4
1363 1669
1364=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1670=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1365 1671
1366Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1672Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1367kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1673kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1368believe me. 1674believe me.
1369 1675
1370=back 1676=back
1677
1678=head3 Examples
1371 1679
1372Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1680Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1373callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1681callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1374 1682
1375 static void 1683 static void
1423with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1731with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1424of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1732of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1733loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1734low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1427 1735
1736It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1737priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1738after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1739too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1740supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1741did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1742(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1743state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1744coexist peacefully with others).
1745
1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1747
1428=over 4 1748=over 4
1429 1749
1430=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1750=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1431 1751
1432=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1752=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1435parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1755parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1436macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1756macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1437 1757
1438=back 1758=back
1439 1759
1440Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1760=head3 Examples
1441and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1761
1762There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1763into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1764(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1765use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1766embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1767into the Glib event loop).
1768
1769Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1442in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1770and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1443pseudo-code only of course: 1771is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1772priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1773the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1444 1774
1445 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1775 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1446 static ev_timer tw; 1776 static ev_timer tw;
1447 1777
1448 static void 1778 static void
1449 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1779 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1450 { 1780 {
1451 // set the relevant poll flags
1452 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1453 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1454 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1455 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1456 } 1781 }
1457 1782
1458 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1783 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1459 static void 1784 static void
1460 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1785 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1461 { 1786 {
1462 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1787 int timeout = 3600000;
1788 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1463 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1789 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1464 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1790 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1465 1791
1466 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1792 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1467 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1793 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1468 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1794 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1469 1795
1470 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1796 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1471 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1797 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1472 { 1798 {
1473 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1799 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1474 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1800 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1475 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1801 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1476 1802
1477 fds [i].revents = 0; 1803 fds [i].revents = 0;
1478 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1479 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1804 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1480 } 1805 }
1481 } 1806 }
1482 1807
1483 // stop all watchers after blocking 1808 // stop all watchers after blocking
1485 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1810 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1486 { 1811 {
1487 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1812 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1488 1813
1489 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1814 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1815 {
1816 // set the relevant poll flags
1817 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1818 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1819 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1820 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1821 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1822
1823 // now stop the watcher
1490 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1824 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1825 }
1491 1826
1492 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1827 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1828 }
1829
1830Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1831in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1832
1833Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1834notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1835callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1836
1837 static void
1838 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1839 {
1840 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1841 update_now (EV_A);
1842
1843 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1844 }
1845
1846 static void
1847 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1848 {
1849 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1850 update_now (EV_A);
1851
1852 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1853 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1854 }
1855
1856 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1857
1858Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1859want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1860their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1861loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1862this.
1863
1864 static gint
1865 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1866 {
1867 int got_events = 0;
1868
1869 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1870 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1871
1872 if (timeout >= 0)
1873 // create/start timer
1874
1875 // poll
1876 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1877
1878 // stop timer again
1879 if (timeout >= 0)
1880 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1881
1882 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1883 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1884 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1885
1886 return got_events;
1493 } 1887 }
1494 1888
1495 1889
1496=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1890=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1497 1891
1540portable one. 1934portable one.
1541 1935
1542So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1936So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1543that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1937that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1544this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1938this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1545create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1939create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1940
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1942
1943=over 4
1944
1945=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1946
1947=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1948
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops.
1960
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962
1963The embedded event loop.
1964
1965=back
1966
1967=head3 Examples
1968
1969Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1970event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1971loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1972C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1973used).
1546 1974
1547 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1975 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1548 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1976 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1549 struct ev_embed embed; 1977 struct ev_embed embed;
1550 1978
1561 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1989 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1562 } 1990 }
1563 else 1991 else
1564 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1992 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1565 1993
1566=over 4 1994Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1995a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1996kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1997C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1567 1998
1568=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1999 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2000 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2001 struct ev_embed embed;
2002
2003 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2004 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2005 {
2006 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2007 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2008 }
1569 2009
1570=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2010 if (!loop_socket)
2011 loop_socket = loop;
1571 2012
1572Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2013 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1573embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1574invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1575to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1576if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1577
1578=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1579
1580Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1581similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1582apropriate way for embedded loops.
1583
1584=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1585
1586The embedded event loop.
1587
1588=back
1589 2014
1590 2015
1591=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2016=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1592 2017
1593Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2018Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1596event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2021event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1597and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2022and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1598C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2023C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1599handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2024handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1600 2025
2026=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2027
1601=over 4 2028=over 4
1602 2029
1603=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2030=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1604 2031
1605Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2032Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1701 2128
1702To use it, 2129To use it,
1703 2130
1704 #include <ev++.h> 2131 #include <ev++.h>
1705 2132
1706(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2133This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1707and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2134of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1708namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2135put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2136options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1709 2137
1710It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2138Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1711C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2139classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2140that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2141you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2142
2143Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2144used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2145need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2146types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2147it).
1712 2148
1713Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2149Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1714 2150
1715=over 4 2151=over 4
1716 2152
1732 2168
1733All of those classes have these methods: 2169All of those classes have these methods:
1734 2170
1735=over 4 2171=over 4
1736 2172
1737=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2173=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1738 2174
1739=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2175=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1740 2176
1741=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2177=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1742 2178
1743The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2179The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1744the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2180with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1745C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2181
1746before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2182The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1747automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2183C<set> method before starting it.
2184
2185It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2186method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2187
2188(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2189not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1748 2190
1749The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2191The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2192
2193=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2194
2195This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2196signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2197first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2198parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2199
2200This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2201the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2202callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2203your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2204thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2205
2206Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2207
2208 struct myclass
2209 {
2210 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2211 }
2212
2213 myclass obj;
2214 ev::io iow;
2215 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2216
2217=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2218
2219Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2220callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2221C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2222
2223The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2224
2225See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2226
2227Example:
2228
2229 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2230 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1750 2231
1751=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2232=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1752 2233
1753Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2234Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1754do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2235do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1755 2236
1756=item w->set ([args]) 2237=item w->set ([args])
1757 2238
1758Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2239Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1759called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2240called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1760automatically stopped and restarted. 2241automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2242method.
1761 2243
1762=item w->start () 2244=item w->start ()
1763 2245
1764Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2246Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1765constructor already takes the loop. 2247constructor already stores the event loop.
1766 2248
1767=item w->stop () 2249=item w->stop ()
1768 2250
1769Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2251Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1770 2252
1771=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2253=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1772 2254
1773For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2255For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1774C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2256C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1775 2257
1776=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2258=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1777 2259
1778Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2260Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1779 2261
1780=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2262=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1781 2263
1782Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2264Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1783 2265
1784=back 2266=back
1785 2267
1795 2277
1796 myclass (); 2278 myclass ();
1797 } 2279 }
1798 2280
1799 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2281 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1800 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1801 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1802 { 2282 {
2283 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2284 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2285
1803 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2286 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1804 } 2287 }
1805 2288
1806 2289
1807=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2290=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1808 2291
1809Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2292Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1810C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2293of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1811callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2294functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1812 2295
1813To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2296To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1814following macros are defined: 2297following macros are defined:
1815 2298
1816=over 4 2299=over 4
1848Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2331Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1849loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2332loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1850 2333
1851=back 2334=back
1852 2335
1853Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2336Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1854wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2337macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2338or not.
1855 2339
1856 static void 2340 static void
1857 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2341 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1858 { 2342 {
1859 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2343 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1862 ev_check check; 2346 ev_check check;
1863 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2347 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1864 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2348 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1865 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2349 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1866 2350
1867
1868=head1 EMBEDDING 2351=head1 EMBEDDING
1869 2352
1870Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2353Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1871applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2354applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1872Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2355Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1873and rxvt-unicode. 2356and rxvt-unicode.
1874 2357
1875The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2358The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1876source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2359source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1877you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2360you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1878libev somewhere in your source tree). 2361libev somewhere in your source tree).
1879 2362
1880=head2 FILESETS 2363=head2 FILESETS
1911 ev_vars.h 2394 ev_vars.h
1912 ev_wrap.h 2395 ev_wrap.h
1913 2396
1914 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2397 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1915 2398
1916 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2399 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1917 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2400 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1918 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2401 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1919 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2402 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1920 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2403 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1921 2404
1970 2453
1971If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2454If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1972monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2455monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1973of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2456of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1974usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2457usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1975the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2458the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1976to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2459to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1977function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2460function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1978 2461
1979=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2462=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1980 2463
1981If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1982realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2465realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1983runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2466runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1984be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2467be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1985(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2468(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1986in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2469note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2470
2471=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2472
2473If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2474and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1987 2475
1988=item EV_USE_SELECT 2476=item EV_USE_SELECT
1989 2477
1990If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2478If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1991C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2479C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2009wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2497wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2010be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2498be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2011C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2499C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2012it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2500it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2013on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2501on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2502
2503=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2504
2505If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2506file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2507default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2508correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2509in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2014 2510
2015=item EV_USE_POLL 2511=item EV_USE_POLL
2016 2512
2017If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2513If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2018backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2514backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2055be detected at runtime. 2551be detected at runtime.
2056 2552
2057=item EV_H 2553=item EV_H
2058 2554
2059The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2555The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2060undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2556undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to
2061can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2557virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2062 2558
2063=item EV_CONFIG_H 2559=item EV_CONFIG_H
2064 2560
2065If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2561If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2066F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2562F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2067C<EV_H>, above. 2563C<EV_H>, above.
2068 2564
2069=item EV_EVENT_H 2565=item EV_EVENT_H
2070 2566
2071Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2567Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2072of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2568of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
2073 2569
2074=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2570=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2075 2571
2076If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2572If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2077prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2573prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2084will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2580will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2085additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2581additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2086for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2582for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2087argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2583argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2088 2584
2585=item EV_MINPRI
2586
2587=item EV_MAXPRI
2588
2589The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2590C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2591provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2592to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2593
2594When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2595all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2596and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2597fine.
2598
2599If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2600C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2601
2089=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2602=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2090 2603
2091If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2604If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2605defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2606code.
2607
2608=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2609
2610If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2092defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2611defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2093code. 2612code.
2094 2613
2095=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2614=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2096 2615
2120than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2639than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2121increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2640increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2122 2641
2123=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2642=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2124 2643
2125C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2644C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2126inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2645inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2127usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2646usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2128watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2647watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2129two). 2648two).
2130 2649
2147 2666
2148=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2667=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2149 2668
2150Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2669Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2151and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2670and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2152definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2671definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2153their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2672their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2154avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2673avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2155method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2674method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2675
2676=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2677
2678If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2679exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2680all public symbols, one per line:
2681
2682 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2683 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2684
2685This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2686multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2687itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2688
2689A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2690include before including F<ev.h>:
2691
2692 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2693
2694This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2695
2696 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2697 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2698 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2699 ...
2156 2700
2157=head2 EXAMPLES 2701=head2 EXAMPLES
2158 2702
2159For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2703For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2160verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2704verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2163interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2707interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2164will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2708will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2165file. 2709file.
2166 2710
2167The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2711The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2168that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2712that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2169 2713
2714 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2170 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2715 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2171 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2716 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2172 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2717 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2718 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2719 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2173 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2720 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2721 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2722 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2174 2723
2175 #include "ev++.h" 2724 #include "ev++.h"
2176 2725
2177And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2726And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2178 2727
2184 2733
2185In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2734In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2186libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2735libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2187documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2736documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2188 2737
2738All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2739extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2740happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2741mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2742it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2743
2189=over 4 2744=over 4
2190 2745
2191=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2746=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2192 2747
2748This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2749there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2750have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2751
2193=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2752=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2753
2754That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2755as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2194 2756
2195=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2757=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2196 2758
2759These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2760
2197=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2761=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2198 2762
2199=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2763=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2200 2764
2765These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2766correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2767have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2768
2201=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2769=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2770
2771By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2772beginning of the storage array.
2202 2773
2203=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2774=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2204 2775
2205=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2776A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2777libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2778on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2779
2780=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2781
2782=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2783
2784Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2785priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2786linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2787watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2206 2788
2207=back 2789=back
2208 2790
2209 2791
2792=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2793
2794Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2795requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2796model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2797the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2798descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2799e.g. cygwin.
2800
2801There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2802embedding it into other applications.
2803
2804Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2805abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2806recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2807a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2808implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2809be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2810
2811=over 4
2812
2813=item The winsocket select function
2814
2815The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2816socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2817very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2818to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2819C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2820symbols for more info.
2821
2822The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2823libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2824
2825 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2826 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2827
2828Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2829complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2830
2831=item Limited number of file descriptors
2832
2833Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2834of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2835(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2836C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2837chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2838
2839Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2840to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2841call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2842select emulation on windows).
2843
2844Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2845libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2846or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2847C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2848arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2849libraries.
2850
2851This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2852windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2853wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2854calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2855
2856=back
2857
2858
2210=head1 AUTHOR 2859=head1 AUTHOR
2211 2860
2212Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2861Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2213 2862

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