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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
113 117
114=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
115 119
116=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 121
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You 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 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<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 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 134not a problem.
128 135
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 137version.
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 281a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag. 282enabling this flag.
276 283
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 284This 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 285and 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 286iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 287Linux 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 288without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 289C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283 290
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 291The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
430 437
431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 438Like 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 439C<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. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434 441
442=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
443
444Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
445the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
446happily wraps around with enough iterations.
447
448This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
449"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
450C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
451
435=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
436 453
437Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
438use. 455use.
439 456
472libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
473usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
474 491
475Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
476 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
477 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
478 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
479 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
480 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
481 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
482 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
483 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
722=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 741
724Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 742Returns 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 743events 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 744is 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 745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
728libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
729 748
730=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731 750
732Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
733 752
734=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
735 754
736Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
737(modulo threads). 756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
738 797
739=back 798=back
740 799
741 800
742=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
848it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 907it 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. 908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
850 909
851If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 910If 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 911play 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 912whether 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 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
855its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
856 937
857=over 4 938=over 4
858 939
859=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
860 941
1018but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1099but 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 1100to 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 () 1101periodic 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 1102+ 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 1103take 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 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
1024again).
1025 1105
1026They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1106They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1027triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
1028 1109
1029As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1110As 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 1111time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1031during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1032 1113
1039Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1120Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1040operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1041 1122
1042=over 4 1123=over 4
1043 1124
1044=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1045 1126
1046In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In 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, 1128C<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 1129that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1049system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1050 1131
1051=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1052 1133
1053In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1134In 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 1135C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1055of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1056 1137
1057This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1138This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1058time: 1139time:
1059 1140
1060 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1066 1147
1067Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another 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 1149C<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. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1070 1151
1152For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1153C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1154this value.
1155
1071=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1072 1157
1073In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1158In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1074ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1075reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1076current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
1077 1162
1078NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1079ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1164ever, 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 1165return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1081starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1082 1167
1083Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1084ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1085 1170
1086 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1171 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1108 1193
1109Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1110when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when 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 1196a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1112program when the crontabs have changed). 1197program when the crontabs have changed).
1198
1199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1200
1201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1202absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1203
1204Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1205timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1113 1206
1114=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1115 1208
1116The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1209The 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 1210take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1341 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1342 1435
1343 1436
1344=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1437=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1345 1438
1346Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle 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 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1348as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
1349imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
1350watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1443That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1444(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1445triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1446are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1351until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1352busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1353 1449
1354The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1450The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1355active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1356 1452
1357Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1423with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1519with 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 1520of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1427 1523
1524It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1525priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1526after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1527too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1528supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1529their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1530loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1531C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1532others).
1533
1428=over 4 1534=over 4
1429 1535
1430=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1431 1537
1432=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1435parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1541parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1436macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1437 1543
1438=back 1544=back
1439 1545
1440Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1546There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1441and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1547into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1548(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1549use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1550embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1551into the Glib event loop).
1552
1553Method 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 1554and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1443pseudo-code only of course: 1555is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1556priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1557the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1444 1558
1445 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1446 static ev_timer tw; 1560 static ev_timer tw;
1447 1561
1448 static void 1562 static void
1449 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1450 { 1564 {
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 } 1565 }
1457 1566
1458 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1459 static void 1568 static void
1460 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1461 { 1570 {
1462 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1571 int timeout = 3600000;
1572 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1463 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1573 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1464 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1574 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1465 1575
1466 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1576 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1467 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1468 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1469 1579
1470 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1471 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1472 { 1582 {
1473 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1474 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1475 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1476 1586
1477 fds [i].revents = 0; 1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1478 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1479 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1480 } 1589 }
1481 } 1590 }
1482 1591
1483 // stop all watchers after blocking 1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1485 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1486 { 1595 {
1487 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1488 1597
1489 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1598 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1599 {
1600 // set the relevant poll flags
1601 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1602 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1603 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1604 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1605 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1606
1607 // now stop the watcher
1490 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1491 1610
1492 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1611 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1612 }
1613
1614Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1615in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1616
1617Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1618notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1619callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1620
1621 static void
1622 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1623 {
1624 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1625 update_now (EV_A);
1626
1627 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1634 update_now (EV_A);
1635
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1638 }
1639
1640 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1641
1642Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1643want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1644their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1645loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1646this.
1647
1648 static gint
1649 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1650 {
1651 int got_events = 0;
1652
1653 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1654 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1655
1656 if (timeout >= 0)
1657 // create/start timer
1658
1659 // poll
1660 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1661
1662 // stop timer again
1663 if (timeout >= 0)
1664 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1665
1666 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1667 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1668 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1669
1670 return got_events;
1493 } 1671 }
1494 1672
1495 1673
1496=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1497 1675
1701 1879
1702To use it, 1880To use it,
1703 1881
1704 #include <ev++.h> 1882 #include <ev++.h>
1705 1883
1706(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1884This 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 1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1708namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1886put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1887options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1709 1888
1710It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1889Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1711C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1890classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1891that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1892you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1893
1894Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1895used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1896need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1897types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1898it).
1712 1899
1713Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1714 1901
1715=over 4 1902=over 4
1716 1903
1732 1919
1733All of those classes have these methods: 1920All of those classes have these methods:
1734 1921
1735=over 4 1922=over 4
1736 1923
1737=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1738 1925
1739=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1740 1927
1741=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1742 1929
1743The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1744the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1931with. 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 1932
1746before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1933The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1747automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1934C<set> method before starting it.
1935
1936It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1937method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1938
1939(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1940not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1748 1941
1749The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1942The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1943
1944=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1945
1946This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1947signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1948first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1949parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1950
1951This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1952the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1953callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1954your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1955thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1956
1957Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1958
1959 struct myclass
1960 {
1961 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1962 }
1963
1964 myclass obj;
1965 ev::io iow;
1966 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1967
1968=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1969
1970Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1971callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1972C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1973
1974The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1975
1976See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1977
1978Example:
1979
1980 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1981 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1750 1982
1751=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1752 1984
1753Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1985Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1754do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1755 1987
1756=item w->set ([args]) 1988=item w->set ([args])
1757 1989
1758Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1990Basically 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 1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1760automatically stopped and restarted. 1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1761 1994
1762=item w->start () 1995=item w->start ()
1763 1996
1764Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1997Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1765constructor already takes the loop. 1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1766 1999
1767=item w->stop () 2000=item w->stop ()
1768 2001
1769Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1770 2003
1795 2028
1796 myclass (); 2029 myclass ();
1797 } 2030 }
1798 2031
1799 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1800 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1801 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1802 { 2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
1803 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1804 } 2038 }
1805 2039
1806 2040
1807=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1808 2042
1809Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2043Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1810C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1811callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1812 2046
1813To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2047To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1814following macros are defined: 2048following macros are defined:
1815 2049
1848Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2082Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1849loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1850 2084
1851=back 2085=back
1852 2086
1853Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1854wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2089or not.
1855 2090
1856 static void 2091 static void
1857 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1858 { 2093 {
1859 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2094 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1861 2096
1862 ev_check check; 2097 ev_check check;
1863 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2098 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1864 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2099 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1865 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2100 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1866
1867 2101
1868=head1 EMBEDDING 2102=head1 EMBEDDING
1869 2103
1870Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2104Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1871applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2105applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1911 ev_vars.h 2145 ev_vars.h
1912 ev_wrap.h 2146 ev_wrap.h
1913 2147
1914 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2148 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1915 2149
1916 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2150 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) 2151 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) 2152 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) 2153 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) 2154 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1921 2155
2084will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2318will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2085additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2086for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2087argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2088 2322
2323=item EV_MINPRI
2324
2325=item EV_MAXPRI
2326
2327The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2328C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2329provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2330to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2331
2332When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2333all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2334and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2335fine.
2336
2337If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2338C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2339
2089=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2090 2341
2091If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2344code.
2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If 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 2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2093code. 2350code.
2094 2351
2095=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2096 2353
2163interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2420interface) 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 2421will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2165file. 2422file.
2166 2423
2167The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2424The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2168that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2425that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2169 2426
2427 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2170 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2428 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2171 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2429 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2172 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2430 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2431 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2432 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2173 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2433 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2434 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2435 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2174 2436
2175 #include "ev++.h" 2437 #include "ev++.h"
2176 2438
2177And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2439And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2178 2440
2184 2446
2185In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2186libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2187documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2188 2450
2451All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2452extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2453happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2454mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2455it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2456
2189=over 4 2457=over 4
2190 2458
2191=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2459=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2192 2460
2461This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2462there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2463have to skip those 100 watchers.
2464
2193=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2465=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2194 2466
2467That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2468as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2469
2195=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2196 2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2197=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2198 2474
2199=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2200 2476
2477These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2478correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2479have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2480
2201=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2202 2482
2203=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2483=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2204 2484
2485A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2486libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2487
2205=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2206 2489
2490=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2491
2492Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2493priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2494linearly search all the priorities.
2495
2207=back 2496=back
2208 2497
2209 2498
2210=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
2211 2500

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