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48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
113 119
114=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
115 121
116=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 123
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 126C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 127symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 133Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 136not a problem.
128 137
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 139version.
304lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
305 314
306=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
307 316
308For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 317For 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 318but 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 319like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
311either O(1) or O(active_fds). 320epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
321of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
322cases and rewuiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
323support for dup:
312 324
313While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 325While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
314result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 326will 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 327(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 328best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
317well if you register events for both fds. 329very well if you register events for both fds.
318 330
319Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 331Please 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 332need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
321(or space) is available. 333(or space) is available.
322 334
323=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 335=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
324 336
325Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 337Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
326was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 338was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
327anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 339sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
340useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
328completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 341is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
329unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 342unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
330C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 343C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
344system like NetBSD.
331 345
332It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 346It 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 347kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
334course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 348of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
335extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 349never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
336incident, so its best to avoid that. 350changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
351silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
337 352
338=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
339 354
340This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 355This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
341 356
342=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
343 358
344This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 359This 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)). 360it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
346 361
347Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 362Please 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 363notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
349blocking when no data (or space) is available. 364blocking when no data (or space) is available.
350 365
351=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 366=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
352 367
395Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 410Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
396etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 411etc.). 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 412sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
398responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 413responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
399calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 414calling 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 415the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
401for example). 416for example).
417
418Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
419this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
420would need to be stopped manually.
421
422In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
423rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
424pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
425C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
402 426
403=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 427=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
404 428
405Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 429Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
406earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 430earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
430 454
431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 455Like 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 456C<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. 457after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434 458
459=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
460
461Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
462the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
463happily wraps around with enough iterations.
464
465This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
466"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
467C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
468
435=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 469=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
436 470
437Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 471Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
438use. 472use.
439 473
441 475
442Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 476Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
443received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 477received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
444change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 478change 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 479time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
446event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 480event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
447 481
448=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 482=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
449 483
450Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 484Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
451after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 485after 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 506libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
473usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 507usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
474 508
475Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 509Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
476 510
511 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
477 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 512 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
478 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 513 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
479 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 514 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
480 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 515 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
481 - Update the "event loop time". 516 - Update the "event loop time".
482 - Calculate for how long to block. 517 - Calculate for how long to block.
483 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 518 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
722=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 757=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 758
724Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 759Returns 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 760events 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 761is 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 762C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
728libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 763make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
764it).
729 765
730=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 766=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731 767
732Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 768Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
733 769
734=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 770=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
735 771
736Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 772Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
737(modulo threads). 773(modulo threads).
774
775=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
776
777=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
778
779Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
780integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
781(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
782before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
783from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
784
785This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
786invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
787example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
788watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
789
790If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
791you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
792
793You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
794pending.
795
796The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
797always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
798
799Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
800fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
801or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
802
803=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
804
805Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
806C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
807can deal with that fact.
808
809=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
810
811If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
812and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
813watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
738 814
739=back 815=back
740 816
741 817
742=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 818=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
848it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 924it 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. 925C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
850 926
851If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 927If 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 928play 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 929whether 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 930such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
855its own, so its quite safe to use). 931its own, so its quite safe to use).
932
933=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
934
935Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
936descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
937such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
938descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
939this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
940registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
941fact, a different file descriptor.
942
943To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
944the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
945will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
946it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
947you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
948descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
949
950This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
951the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
952optimisations to libev.
953
954=head3 Ths special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
955
956Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
957but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
958have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
959file descriptor might actually receive events.
960
961There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
962for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
963C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
964
965=head3 The special problem of fork
966
967Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
968useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
969it in the child.
970
971To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
972C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
973enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
974C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
975
976
977=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
856 978
857=over 4 979=over 4
858 980
859=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 981=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
860 982
913 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1035 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
914 1036
915The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1037The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
916but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1038but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
917order of execution is undefined. 1039order of execution is undefined.
1040
1041=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
918 1042
919=over 4 1043=over 4
920 1044
921=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1045=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
922 1046
1018but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1142but 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 1143to 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 () 1144periodic 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 1145+ 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 1146take 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 1147roughly 10 seconds later).
1024again).
1025 1148
1026They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1149They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1027triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1150triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1151rules.
1028 1152
1029As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1153As 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 1154time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1031during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1155during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1032 1156
1157=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1158
1033=over 4 1159=over 4
1034 1160
1035=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1161=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1036 1162
1037=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1163=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 1165Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1040operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1166operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1041 1167
1042=over 4 1168=over 4
1043 1169
1044=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1170=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1045 1171
1046In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1172In 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, 1173C<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 1174that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1049system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1175system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1050 1176
1051=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1177=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1052 1178
1053In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1179In 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 1180C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1055of any time jumps. 1181and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1056 1182
1057This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1183This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1058time: 1184time:
1059 1185
1060 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1186 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1066 1192
1067Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1193Another 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 1194C<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. 1195time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1070 1196
1197For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1198C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1199this value.
1200
1071=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1201=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1072 1202
1073In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1203In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1074ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1204ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1075reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1205reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1076current time as second argument. 1206current time as second argument.
1077 1207
1078NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1208NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1079ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1209ever, 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 1210return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1081starting a prepare watcher). 1211starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1082 1212
1083Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1213Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1084ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1214ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1085 1215
1086 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1216 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1109Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1239Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1110when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1240when 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 1241a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1112program when the crontabs have changed). 1242program when the crontabs have changed).
1113 1243
1244=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1245
1246When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1247absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1248
1249Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1250timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1251
1114=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1252=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1115 1253
1116The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1254The 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 1255take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1118called. 1256called.
1120=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1258=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1121 1259
1122The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1260The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1123switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1261switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1124the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1262the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1263
1264=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1265
1266When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1267trigger next.
1125 1268
1126=back 1269=back
1127 1270
1128Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1271Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1129system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1272system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1171with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1314with 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 1315as 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 1316watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1174SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1317SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1175 1318
1319=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1320
1176=over 4 1321=over 4
1177 1322
1178=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1323=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1179 1324
1180=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1325=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1191 1336
1192=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1337=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1193 1338
1194Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1339Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1195some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1340some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1341
1342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1196 1343
1197=over 4 1344=over 4
1198 1345
1199=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1346=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1200 1347
1268reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1415reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1269semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1416semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1270to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1417to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1271usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1418usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1272polling. 1419polling.
1420
1421=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1273 1422
1274=over 4 1423=over 4
1275 1424
1276=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1425=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1277 1426
1341 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1490 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1342 1491
1343 1492
1344=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1493=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1345 1494
1346Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1495Idle 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 1496priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1348as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1497count).
1349imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1498
1350watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1499That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1500(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1501triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1502are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1351until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1503iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1352busy. 1504and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1353 1505
1354The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1506The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1355active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1507active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1356 1508
1357Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1509Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1358effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1510effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1359"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1511"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1360event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1512event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1513
1514=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1361 1515
1362=over 4 1516=over 4
1363 1517
1364=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1518=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1365 1519
1423with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1577with 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 1578of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1579loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1580low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1427 1581
1582It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1583priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1584after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1585too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1586supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1587their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1588loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1589C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1590others).
1591
1592=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1593
1428=over 4 1594=over 4
1429 1595
1430=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1596=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1431 1597
1432=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1598=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1435parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1601parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1436macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1602macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1437 1603
1438=back 1604=back
1439 1605
1440Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1606There 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 1607into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1608(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1609use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1610embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1611into the Glib event loop).
1612
1613Method 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 1614and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1443pseudo-code only of course: 1615is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1616priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1617the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1444 1618
1445 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1619 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1446 static ev_timer tw; 1620 static ev_timer tw;
1447 1621
1448 static void 1622 static void
1449 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1623 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1450 { 1624 {
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 } 1625 }
1457 1626
1458 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1627 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1459 static void 1628 static void
1460 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1629 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1466 1635
1467 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1636 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1468 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1637 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1469 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1638 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1470 1639
1471 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1640 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1472 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1641 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1473 { 1642 {
1474 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1643 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1475 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1644 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1476 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1645 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1477 1646
1478 fds [i].revents = 0; 1647 fds [i].revents = 0;
1479 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1480 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1648 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1481 } 1649 }
1482 } 1650 }
1483 1651
1484 // stop all watchers after blocking 1652 // stop all watchers after blocking
1486 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1654 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1487 { 1655 {
1488 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1656 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1489 1657
1490 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1658 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1659 {
1660 // set the relevant poll flags
1661 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1662 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1663 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1664 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1665 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1666
1667 // now stop the watcher
1491 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1668 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1669 }
1492 1670
1493 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1671 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1672 }
1673
1674Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1675in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1676
1677Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1678notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1679callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1680
1681 static void
1682 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1683 {
1684 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1685 update_now (EV_A);
1686
1687 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1688 }
1689
1690 static void
1691 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1692 {
1693 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1694 update_now (EV_A);
1695
1696 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1697 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1698 }
1699
1700 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1701
1702Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1703want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1704their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1705loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1706this.
1707
1708 static gint
1709 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1710 {
1711 int got_events = 0;
1712
1713 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1714 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1715
1716 if (timeout >= 0)
1717 // create/start timer
1718
1719 // poll
1720 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1721
1722 // stop timer again
1723 if (timeout >= 0)
1724 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1725
1726 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1727 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1728 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1729
1730 return got_events;
1494 } 1731 }
1495 1732
1496 1733
1497=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1734=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1498 1735
1499This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1736This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1500into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1737into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1501loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1738loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1502fashion and must not be used). 1739fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1503 1740
1504There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1741There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1505prioritise I/O. 1742prioritise I/O.
1506 1743
1507As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1744As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1562 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1799 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1563 } 1800 }
1564 else 1801 else
1565 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1802 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1566 1803
1804=head2 Portability notes
1805
1806Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1807tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1808receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1809loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1810will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1811
1812While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1813C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1814work.
1815
1816When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1817usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1818your main event loop.
1819
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821
1567=over 4 1822=over 4
1568 1823
1569=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1824=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1570 1825
1571=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1826=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1580 1835
1581Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1836Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1582similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1837similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1583apropriate way for embedded loops. 1838apropriate way for embedded loops.
1584 1839
1585=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1840=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1586 1841
1587The embedded event loop. 1842The embedded event loop.
1588 1843
1589=back 1844=back
1590 1845
1597event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1852event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1598and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1853and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1599C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1854C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1600handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1855handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1601 1856
1857=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1858
1602=over 4 1859=over 4
1603 1860
1604=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1861=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1605 1862
1606Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1863Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1702 1959
1703To use it, 1960To use it,
1704 1961
1705 #include <ev++.h> 1962 #include <ev++.h>
1706 1963
1707(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1964This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1708and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1965of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1709namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1966put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1967options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1710 1968
1711It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1969Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1712C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1970classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1971that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1972you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1973
1974Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1975used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1976need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1977types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1978it).
1713 1979
1714Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1980Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1715 1981
1716=over 4 1982=over 4
1717 1983
1733 1999
1734All of those classes have these methods: 2000All of those classes have these methods:
1735 2001
1736=over 4 2002=over 4
1737 2003
1738=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2004=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1739 2005
1740=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2006=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1741 2007
1742=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2008=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1743 2009
1744The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2010The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1745the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2011with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1746C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2012
1747before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2013The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1748automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2014C<set> method before starting it.
2015
2016It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2017method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2018
2019(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2020not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1749 2021
1750The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2022The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2023
2024=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2025
2026This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2027signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2028first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2029parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2030
2031This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2032the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2033callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2034your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2035thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2036
2037Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2038
2039 struct myclass
2040 {
2041 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2042 }
2043
2044 myclass obj;
2045 ev::io iow;
2046 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2047
2048=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2049
2050Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2051callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2052C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2053
2054The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2055
2056See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2057
2058Example:
2059
2060 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2061 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1751 2062
1752=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2063=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1753 2064
1754Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2065Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1755do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2066do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1756 2067
1757=item w->set ([args]) 2068=item w->set ([args])
1758 2069
1759Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2070Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1760called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2071called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1761automatically stopped and restarted. 2072automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2073method.
1762 2074
1763=item w->start () 2075=item w->start ()
1764 2076
1765Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2077Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1766constructor already takes the loop. 2078constructor already stores the event loop.
1767 2079
1768=item w->stop () 2080=item w->stop ()
1769 2081
1770Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2082Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1771 2083
1772=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2084=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1773 2085
1774For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2086For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1775C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2087C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1776 2088
1777=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2089=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1778 2090
1779Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2091Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1780 2092
1781=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2093=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1782 2094
1783Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2095Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1784 2096
1785=back 2097=back
1786 2098
1796 2108
1797 myclass (); 2109 myclass ();
1798 } 2110 }
1799 2111
1800 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2112 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1801 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1802 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1803 { 2113 {
2114 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2115 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2116
1804 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2117 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1805 } 2118 }
1806 2119
1807 2120
1808=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2121=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1809 2122
1810Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2123Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1811C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2124of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1812callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2125functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1813 2126
1814To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2127To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1815following macros are defined: 2128following macros are defined:
1816 2129
1817=over 4 2130=over 4
1850loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2163loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1851 2164
1852=back 2165=back
1853 2166
1854Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2167Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1855macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2168macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1856or not. 2169or not.
1857 2170
1858 static void 2171 static void
1859 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2172 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1860 { 2173 {
1871Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2184Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1872applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2185applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1873Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2186Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1874and rxvt-unicode. 2187and rxvt-unicode.
1875 2188
1876The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2189The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1877source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2190source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1878you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2191you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1879libev somewhere in your source tree). 2192libev somewhere in your source tree).
1880 2193
1881=head2 FILESETS 2194=head2 FILESETS
1971 2284
1972If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2285If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1973monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2286monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1974of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2287of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1975usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2288usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1976the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2289the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1977to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2290to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1978function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2291function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1979 2292
1980=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2293=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1981 2294
1982If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2295If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1983realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2296realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1984runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2297runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1985be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2298be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1986(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2299(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1987in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2300note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1988 2301
1989=item EV_USE_SELECT 2302=item EV_USE_SELECT
1990 2303
1991If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2304If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1992C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2305C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2085will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2398will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2086additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2399additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2087for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2400for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2088argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2401argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2089 2402
2403=item EV_MINPRI
2404
2405=item EV_MAXPRI
2406
2407The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2408C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2409provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2410to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2411
2412When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2413all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2414and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2415fine.
2416
2417If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2418C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2419
2090=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2420=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2091 2421
2092If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2422If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2423defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2424code.
2425
2426=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2427
2428If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2093defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2429defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2094code. 2430code.
2095 2431
2096=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2432=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2097 2433
2148 2484
2149=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2485=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2150 2486
2151Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2487Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2152and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2488and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2153definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2489definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2154their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2490their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2155avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2491avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2156method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2492method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2493
2494=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2495
2496If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2497exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2498all public symbols, one per line:
2499
2500 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2501 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2502
2503This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2504multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2505itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2506
2507A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2508include before including F<ev.h>:
2509
2510 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2511
2512This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2513
2514 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2515 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2516 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2517 ...
2157 2518
2158=head2 EXAMPLES 2519=head2 EXAMPLES
2159 2520
2160For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2521For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2161verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2522verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2190 2551
2191In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2552In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2192libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2553libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2193documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2554documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2194 2555
2556All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2557extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2558happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2559mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2560it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2561
2195=over 4 2562=over 4
2196 2563
2197=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2564=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2198 2565
2566This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2567there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2568have to skip those 100 watchers.
2569
2199=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2570=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2200 2571
2572That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2573as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2574
2201=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2575=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2202 2576
2577These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2203=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2578=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2204 2579
2205=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2580=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2206 2581
2582These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2583correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2584have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2585
2207=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2586=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2208 2587
2209=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2588=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2210 2589
2590A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2591libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2592
2211=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2593=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2212 2594
2595=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2596
2597Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2598priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2599linearly search all the priorities.
2600
2213=back 2601=back
2214 2602
2215 2603
2216=head1 AUTHOR 2604=head1 AUTHOR
2217 2605

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