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Revision 1.66 by root, Mon Dec 3 13:41:25 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.182 by root, Fri Sep 19 03:52:56 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev 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 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 74
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To 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 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 82watcher.
65 83
66=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
67 85
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
78 96
79It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
81for example). 99for example).
82 100
83=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
84 102
85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
91 110
92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
93 112
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the 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 116called 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 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
100 142
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 144
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 146library in any way.
109 151
110Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
111C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
112you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
113 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
114=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
115 163
116=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 165
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You 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 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<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 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 178not a problem.
128 179
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 181version.
131 182
132 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
135 186
136=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
137 188
138Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
139value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
141a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
142 193
143Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
144a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
145 196
146 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
147 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
148 199
149=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
150 201
151Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
152recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
153returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
154most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
155(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
156libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
157 208
158=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
159 210
166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
167 218
168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
169 220
170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
175function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
176 230
177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
180 234
181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
182retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
183 237
184 static void * 238 static void *
185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
186 { 240 {
187 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
198 ... 252 ...
199 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
200 254
201=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
202 256
203Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
204as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
205indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
209(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
210 264
211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
225=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
226 280
227An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
228types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
229events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
230
231If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
232in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
233create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
234whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
235threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
236done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
237 284
238=over 4 285=over 4
239 286
240=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
241 288
245flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
246 293
247If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
248function. 295function.
249 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
250The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
251backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
252 310
253The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
254 312
259The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
260thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
261 319
262=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
263 321
264If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
265or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
269around bugs. 327around bugs.
275enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
276 334
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This 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 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux 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 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283 341
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
285forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
286flag. 344flag.
287 345
288This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
289environment variable. 347environment variable.
290 348
291=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
292 350
293This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
294libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
295but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
296using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
297the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
298 367
299=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
300 369
301And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
302select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
303number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
304lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
375performance tips.
376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
305 379
306=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
307 381
308For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For 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 383but 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 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
311either O(1) or O(active_fds). 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
388support for dup.
312 389
313While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
314result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
315(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(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 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
317well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
318 395
319Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please 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 397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
321(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
322 399
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
402keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
403
404While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
405all kernel versions tested so far.
406
407This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
408C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
409
323=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 410=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
324 411
325Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 412Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
326was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 413was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
327anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 414with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
328completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 415it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
329unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 416unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
330C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 417C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
418system like NetBSD.
419
420You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
421only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
422the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
331 423
332It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 424It 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 425kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
334course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 426course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
335extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 427cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
336incident, so its best to avoid that. 428two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
429drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
430
431This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
432
433While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
434everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
435almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
436(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
437(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
438sockets.
439
440This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
441C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>.
337 443
338=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 444=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
339 445
340This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 446This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
447implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
448and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
449immensely.
341 450
342=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 451=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
343 452
344This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 453This 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)). 454it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
346 455
347Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 456Please 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 457notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
349blocking when no data (or space) is available. 458blocking when no data (or space) is available.
459
460While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
461file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
462descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
463might perform better.
464
465On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
466backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
467embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
468
469This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
470C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
350 471
351=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 472=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
352 473
353Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 474Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
354with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 475with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
355C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 476C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
356 477
478It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
479
357=back 480=back
358 481
359If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 482If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
360backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 483backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
361specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 484specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
362order of their flag values :)
363 485
364The most typical usage is like this: 486The most typical usage is like this:
365 487
366 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 488 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
367 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 489 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
368 490
369Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 491Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
370environment settings to be taken into account: 492environment settings to be taken into account:
371 493
372 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 494 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
373 495
374Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 496Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
375available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 497available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
376event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 498event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
377 499
378 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 500 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
379 501
380=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 502=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
381 503
382Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 504Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
383always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 505always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
384handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 506handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
385undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 507undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
386 508
509Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
510libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
511default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
512
387Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 513Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
388 514
389 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 515 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
390 if (!epoller) 516 if (!epoller)
391 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 517 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
392 518
393=item ev_default_destroy () 519=item ev_default_destroy ()
394 520
395Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 521Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
396etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 522etc.). 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 523sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
398responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 524responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
399calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 525calling 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 526the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
401for example). 527for example).
528
529Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
530this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
531would need to be stopped manually.
532
533In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
534rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
535pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
536C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
402 537
403=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 538=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
404 539
405Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 540Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
406earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 541earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
407 542
408=item ev_default_fork () 543=item ev_default_fork ()
409 544
545This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
410This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 546to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
411one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 547name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
412after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 548the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
413again makes little sense). 549sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
550functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
414 551
415You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 552On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
416only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 553process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
417fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 554you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
418 555
419The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 556The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
420it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 557it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
421quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 558quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
422 559
423 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 560 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
424 561
425At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
426without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
427do not need to care.
428
429=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 562=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
430 563
431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 564Like 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 565C<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. 566after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
567
568=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
569
570Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
434 571
435=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 572=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
436 573
437Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 574Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
438the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 575the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
451 588
452Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 589Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
453received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 590received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
454change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 591change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
455time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 592time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
456event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 593event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
594
595=item ev_now_update (loop)
596
597Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
598returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
599is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
600
601This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
602very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
603the current time is a good idea.
604
605See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
457 606
458=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 607=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
459 608
460Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 609Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
461after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 610after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
473A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 622A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
474those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 623those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
475case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 624case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
476 625
477A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 626A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
478neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 627necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
479your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 628your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
480one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 629one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
481external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 630external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
482libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 631libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
483usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 632usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
484 633
485Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 634Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
486 635
487 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 636 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
488 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 637 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
638 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
639 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
489 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 640 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
641 as to not disturb the other process.
490 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 642 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
491 - Update the "event loop time". 643 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
492 - Calculate for how long to block. 644 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
645 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
646 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
647 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
493 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 648 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
494 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 649 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
495 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 650 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
496 - Queue all outstanding timers. 651 - Queue all outstanding timers.
497 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 652 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
498 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 653 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
499 - Queue all check watchers. 654 - Queue all check watchers.
500 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 655 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
501 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 656 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
502 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 657 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
503 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 658 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
504 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 659 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
660 continue with step *.
505 661
506Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 662Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
507anymore. 663anymore.
508 664
509 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 665 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
510 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 666 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
511 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 667 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
512 ... jobs done. yeah! 668 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
513 669
514=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 670=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
515 671
516Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 672Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
517has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 673has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
518C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 674C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
519C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 675C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
676
677This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
520 678
521=item ev_ref (loop) 679=item ev_ref (loop)
522 680
523=item ev_unref (loop) 681=item ev_unref (loop)
524 682
529returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 687returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
530example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 688example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
531visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 689visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
532no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 690no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
533way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 691way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
534libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 692libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
693(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
694respectively).
535 695
536Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 696Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
537running when nothing else is active. 697running when nothing else is active.
538 698
539 struct ev_signal exitsig; 699 struct ev_signal exitsig;
540 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 700 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
541 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 701 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
542 evf_unref (loop); 702 evf_unref (loop);
543 703
544Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 704Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
545 705
546 ev_ref (loop); 706 ev_ref (loop);
547 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 707 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
708
709=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
710
711=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
712
713These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
714for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
715will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
716latency.
717
718Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
719allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
720to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
721opportunities).
722
723The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
724handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
725the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
726events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
727overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
728
729By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
730time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
731at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
732C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
733introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
734
735Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
736to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
737latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
738will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
739any overhead in libev.
740
741Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
742interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
743interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
744usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
745as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
746
747Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
748saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
749are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
750times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
751reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
752they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
753
754=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
755
756This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
757compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
758them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
759an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
760
761This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
762circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
763data structures consistent.
548 764
549=back 765=back
550 766
551 767
552=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 768=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
553 769
554A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 770A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
555interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 771interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
556become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 772become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
557 773
558 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 774 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
559 { 775 {
560 ev_io_stop (w); 776 ev_io_stop (w);
561 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 777 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
562 } 778 }
563 779
564 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 780 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
565 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 781 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
566 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 782 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
567 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 783 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
568 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 784 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
569 ev_loop (loop, 0); 785 ev_loop (loop, 0);
570 786
571As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 787As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
572watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 788watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
573although this can sometimes be quite valid). 789although this can sometimes be quite valid).
574 790
575Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 791Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
576(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 792(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
577callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 793callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
578watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 794watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
579is readable and/or writable). 795is readable and/or writable).
580 796
581Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 797Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
582with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 798with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
652=item C<EV_FORK> 868=item C<EV_FORK>
653 869
654The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 870The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
655C<ev_fork>). 871C<ev_fork>).
656 872
873=item C<EV_ASYNC>
874
875The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
876
657=item C<EV_ERROR> 877=item C<EV_ERROR>
658 878
659An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 879An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
660happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 880happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
661ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 881ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
662problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 882problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
663with the watcher being stopped. 883with the watcher being stopped.
664 884
665Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 885Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
666for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 886for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
667your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 887your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
668with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 888with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
669programs, though, so beware. 889programs, though, so beware.
670 890
671=back 891=back
672 892
673=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 893=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
703Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 923Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
704(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 924(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
705 925
706=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 926=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
707 927
708This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 928This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
709calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 929calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
710a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 930a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
711 931
712=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
713 933
714Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 934Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
732=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 952=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
733 953
734Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 954Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 955events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 956is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 957C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 958make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
959it).
739 960
740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 961=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741 962
742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 963Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
743 964
744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 965=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
745 966
746Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 967Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
747(modulo threads). 968(modulo threads).
969
970=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
971
972=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
973
974Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
975integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
976(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
977before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
978from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
979
980This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
981invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
982example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
983watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
984
985If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
986you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
987
988You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
989pending.
990
991The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
992always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
993
994Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
995fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
996or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
997
998=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
999
1000Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1001C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1002can deal with that fact.
1003
1004=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1005
1006If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
1007and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1008watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
748 1009
749=back 1010=back
750 1011
751 1012
752=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1013=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
756to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1017to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
757don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1018don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
758member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1019member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
759data: 1020data:
760 1021
761 struct my_io 1022 struct my_io
762 { 1023 {
763 struct ev_io io; 1024 struct ev_io io;
764 int otherfd; 1025 int otherfd;
765 void *somedata; 1026 void *somedata;
766 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1027 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
767 } 1028 };
1029
1030 ...
1031 struct my_io w;
1032 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
768 1033
769And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1034And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
770can cast it back to your own type: 1035can cast it back to your own type:
771 1036
772 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1037 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
773 { 1038 {
774 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1039 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
775 ... 1040 ...
776 } 1041 }
777 1042
778More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1043More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
779instead have been omitted. 1044instead have been omitted.
780 1045
781Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1046Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
782watchers: 1047embedded watchers:
783 1048
784 struct my_biggy 1049 struct my_biggy
785 { 1050 {
786 int some_data; 1051 int some_data;
787 ev_timer t1; 1052 ev_timer t1;
788 ev_timer t2; 1053 ev_timer t2;
789 } 1054 }
790 1055
791In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1056In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
792you need to use C<offsetof>: 1057complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1058in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer
1059arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers:
793 1060
794 #include <stddef.h> 1061 #include <stddef.h>
795 1062
796 static void 1063 static void
797 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1064 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
798 { 1065 {
799 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1066 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
800 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1067 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
801 } 1068 }
802 1069
803 static void 1070 static void
804 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1071 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
805 { 1072 {
806 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1073 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
807 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1074 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
808 } 1075 }
809 1076
810 1077
811=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1078=head1 WATCHER TYPES
812 1079
813This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1080This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
837In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1104In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
838fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1105fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
839descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1106descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
840required if you know what you are doing). 1107required if you know what you are doing).
841 1108
842You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
843(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
844descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
845to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
846the same underlying "file open").
847
848If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1109If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
849(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1110(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
850C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1111C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
851 1112
852Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1113Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
853receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1114receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
854be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1115be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
855because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1116because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
856lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1117lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
857this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1118this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
858it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1119it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
859C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1120C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
860 1121
861If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1122If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
862play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1123play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
863wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1124whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
864such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1125such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
865its own, so its quite safe to use). 1126its own, so its quite safe to use).
866 1127
1128=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1129
1130Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1131descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1132such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1133descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1134this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1135registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1136fact, a different file descriptor.
1137
1138To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1139the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1140will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1141it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1142you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1143descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1144
1145This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1146the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1147optimisations to libev.
1148
1149=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1150
1151Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1152but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1153have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1154events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1155
1156There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1157for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1158C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1159
1160=head3 The special problem of fork
1161
1162Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1163useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1164it in the child.
1165
1166To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1167C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1168enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1169C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1170
1171=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1172
1173While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1174when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1175send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1176this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1177
1178So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1179ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1180somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1181
1182
1183=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1184
867=over 4 1185=over 4
868 1186
869=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1187=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
870 1188
871=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1189=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
872 1190
873Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1191Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
874rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1192receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
875C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1193C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
876 1194
877=item int fd [read-only] 1195=item int fd [read-only]
878 1196
879The file descriptor being watched. 1197The file descriptor being watched.
881=item int events [read-only] 1199=item int events [read-only]
882 1200
883The events being watched. 1201The events being watched.
884 1202
885=back 1203=back
1204
1205=head3 Examples
886 1206
887Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1207Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
888readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1208readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
889attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1209attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
890 1210
891 static void 1211 static void
892 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1212 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
893 { 1213 {
894 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1214 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
895 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1215 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
896 } 1216 }
897 1217
898 ... 1218 ...
899 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1219 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
900 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1220 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
901 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1221 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
902 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1222 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
903 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1223 ev_loop (loop, 0);
904 1224
905 1225
906=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1226=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
907 1227
908Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1228Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
909given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1229given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
910 1230
911The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1231The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
912times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1232times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
913time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1233year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
914detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1234detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
915monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1235monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1236
1237The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1238but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1239order of execution is undefined.
1240
1241=head3 The special problem of time updates
1242
1243Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1244least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1245time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes
1246a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1247lots of events.
916 1248
917The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1249The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
918time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1250time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
919of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1251of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
920you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1252you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
921on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1253timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
922 1254
923 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1255 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
924 1256
925The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1257If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
926but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1258update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
927order of execution is undefined. 1259()>.
1260
1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
928 1262
929=over 4 1263=over 4
930 1264
931=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1265=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
932 1266
933=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1267=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
934 1268
935Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1269Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
936C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1270is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
937timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1271reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
938later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1272configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1273until stopped manually.
939 1274
940The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1275The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
941configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1276you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
942exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1277trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
943the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1278keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
944timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1279do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
945 1280
946=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1281=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
947 1282
948This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1283This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
949repeating. The exact semantics are: 1284repeating. The exact semantics are:
950 1285
951If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1286If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
952 1287
953If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1288If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
954 1289
955If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1290If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
956C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1291C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
957 1292
958This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1293This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
959example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1294example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
960timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1295timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
961seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1296seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
962configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1297configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
963C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1298C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
964you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1299you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
986or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1321or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
987which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1322which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
988 1323
989=back 1324=back
990 1325
1326=head3 Examples
1327
991Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1328Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
992 1329
993 static void 1330 static void
994 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1331 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1332 {
996 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1333 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
997 } 1334 }
998 1335
999 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1336 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1000 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1337 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1001 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1338 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1002 1339
1003Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1340Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1004inactivity. 1341inactivity.
1005 1342
1006 static void 1343 static void
1007 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1344 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1008 { 1345 {
1009 .. ten seconds without any activity 1346 .. ten seconds without any activity
1010 } 1347 }
1011 1348
1012 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1349 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1013 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1350 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1014 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1351 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1015 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1352 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1016 1353
1017 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1354 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1018 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1355 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1019 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1356 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1020 1357
1021 1358
1022=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1359=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1023 1360
1024Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1361Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1025(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1362(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1026 1363
1027Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1364Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1028but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1365but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1029to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1366to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1030periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1367periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1031+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1368+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1369clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1032take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1370to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1033roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1371roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1034again).
1035 1372
1036They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1373C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1037triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1374such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1375complicated, rules.
1038 1376
1039As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1377As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1040time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1378time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1041during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1379during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1380
1381=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1042 1382
1043=over 4 1383=over 4
1044 1384
1045=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1385=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1046 1386
1049Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1389Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1050operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1390operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1051 1391
1052=over 4 1392=over 4
1053 1393
1054=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1394=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1055 1395
1056In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1396In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1057C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1397time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1058that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1398jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1059system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1399run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1060 1400
1061=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1401=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1062 1402
1063In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1403In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1064C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1404C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1065of any time jumps. 1405and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1066 1406
1067This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1407This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1068time: 1408time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1409the hour:
1069 1410
1070 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1411 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1071 1412
1072This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1413This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1073but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1414but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1074full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1415full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1075by 3600. 1416by 3600.
1076 1417
1077Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1418Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1078C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1419C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1079time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1420time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1080 1421
1422For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1423C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1424this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1425
1426Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1427speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1428will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1429millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1430
1081=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1431=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1082 1432
1083In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1433In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1084ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1434ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1085reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1435reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1086current time as second argument. 1436current time as second argument.
1087 1437
1088NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1438NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1089ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1439ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1090return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1091starting a prepare watcher).
1092 1440
1441If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1442it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1443only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1444
1093Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1445The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1094ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1446*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1095 1447
1096 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1448 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1097 { 1449 {
1098 return now + 60.; 1450 return now + 60.;
1099 } 1451 }
1101It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1453It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1102(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1454(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1103will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1455will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1104might be called at other times, too. 1456might be called at other times, too.
1105 1457
1106NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1458NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1107passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1459equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1108 1460
1109This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1461This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1110triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1462triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1111next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1463next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1112you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1464you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1113reason I omitted it as an example). 1465reason I omitted it as an example).
1114 1466
1115=back 1467=back
1119Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1471Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1120when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1472when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1121a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1473a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1122program when the crontabs have changed). 1474program when the crontabs have changed).
1123 1475
1476=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1477
1478When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1479trigger next.
1480
1481=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1482
1483When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1484absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1485
1486Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1487timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1488
1124=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1489=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1125 1490
1126The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1491The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1127take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1492take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1128called. 1493called.
1133switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1498switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1134the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1499the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1135 1500
1136=back 1501=back
1137 1502
1503=head3 Examples
1504
1138Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1505Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1139system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1506system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1140potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1507potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1141 1508
1142 static void 1509 static void
1143 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1510 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1144 { 1511 {
1145 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1512 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1146 } 1513 }
1147 1514
1148 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1515 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1149 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1516 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1150 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1517 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1151 1518
1152Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1519Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1153 1520
1154 #include <math.h> 1521 #include <math.h>
1155 1522
1156 static ev_tstamp 1523 static ev_tstamp
1157 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1524 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1158 { 1525 {
1159 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1526 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1160 } 1527 }
1161 1528
1162 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1529 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1163 1530
1164Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1531Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1165 1532
1166 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1533 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1167 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1534 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1168 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1535 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1169 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1536 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1170 1537
1171 1538
1172=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1539=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1173 1540
1174Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1541Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1181with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1548with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1182as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1549as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1183watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1550watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1184SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1551SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1185 1552
1553If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1554C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1555interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1556signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1557them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560
1186=over 4 1561=over 4
1187 1562
1188=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1563=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1189 1564
1190=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1565=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1196 1571
1197The signal the watcher watches out for. 1572The signal the watcher watches out for.
1198 1573
1199=back 1574=back
1200 1575
1576=head3 Examples
1577
1578Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1579
1580 static void
1581 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1582 {
1583 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1584 }
1585
1586 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1587 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1588 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1589
1201 1590
1202=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1591=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1203 1592
1204Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1205some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1595is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1596forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1597loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1598
1599Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1600you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1601
1602=head3 Process Interaction
1603
1604Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1605initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1606the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1607of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1608synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1609children, even ones not watched.
1610
1611=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1612
1613Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1614processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1615handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1616C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1617default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1618event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1619that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1620
1621=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1622
1623Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1624child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1625callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1626when a child exit is detected.
1627
1628=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1206 1629
1207=over 4 1630=over 4
1208 1631
1209=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1632=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1210 1633
1211=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1634=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1212 1635
1213Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1636Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1214I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1637I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1215at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1638at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1216the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1639the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1217C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1640C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1218process causing the status change. 1641process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1642activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1643activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1219 1644
1220=item int pid [read-only] 1645=item int pid [read-only]
1221 1646
1222The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1647The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1223 1648
1230The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1655The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1231C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1656C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1232 1657
1233=back 1658=back
1234 1659
1235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1660=head3 Examples
1236 1661
1662Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1663its completion.
1664
1665 ev_child cw;
1666
1237 static void 1667 static void
1238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1668 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1239 { 1669 {
1240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1670 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1671 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1241 } 1672 }
1242 1673
1243 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1674 pid_t pid = fork ();
1244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1675
1245 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1676 if (pid < 0)
1677 // error
1678 else if (pid == 0)
1679 {
1680 // the forked child executes here
1681 exit (1);
1682 }
1683 else
1684 {
1685 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1686 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1687 }
1246 1688
1247 1689
1248=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1690=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1249 1691
1250This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1692This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1251C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1693C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1252compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1694compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1253 1695
1254The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1696The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1255not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1697not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1273as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1715as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1274resource-intensive. 1716resource-intensive.
1275 1717
1276At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1718At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1277implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1719implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1720reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1278reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1721semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1279semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1722not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1280to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1723sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1281usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1724but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1282polling. 1725will be no polling.
1726
1727=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1728
1729Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1730compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1731support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1732structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1733use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1734compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1735obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1736most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1737
1738The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1739file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1740optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1741to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1742default compilation environment.
1743
1744=head3 Inotify
1745
1746When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1747available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1748change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1749when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1750
1751Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1752except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1753making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1754there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1755
1756(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1757implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1758descriptor open on the object at all times).
1759
1760=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1761
1762The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1763even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1764only support whole seconds.
1765
1766That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1767easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1768calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1769within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1770data does not change.
1771
1772The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1773than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1774a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1775ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1776
1777The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1778of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1779might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1780C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1781a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1782update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1783the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1784the timer callback).
1785
1786=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283 1787
1284=over 4 1788=over 4
1285 1789
1286=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1790=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1287 1791
1291C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1795C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1292be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1796be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1293a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1797a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1294path for as long as the watcher is active. 1798path for as long as the watcher is active.
1295 1799
1296The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1800The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1297relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1801to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1298last change was detected). 1802was detected).
1299 1803
1300=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1804=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1301 1805
1302Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1806Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1303watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1807watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1304detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1808detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1305useful simply to find out the new values. 1809the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1810new values.
1306 1811
1307=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1812=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1308 1813
1309The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1814The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1310C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1815C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1311suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1816suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1817members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1312was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1818some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1313 1819
1314=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1820=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1315 1821
1316The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1822The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1317C<prev> != C<attr>. 1823C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1824differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1825C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1318 1826
1319=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1827=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1320 1828
1321The specified interval. 1829The specified interval.
1322 1830
1323=item const char *path [read-only] 1831=item const char *path [read-only]
1324 1832
1325The filesystem path that is being watched. 1833The file system path that is being watched.
1326 1834
1327=back 1835=back
1328 1836
1837=head3 Examples
1838
1329Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1839Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1330 1840
1331 static void 1841 static void
1332 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1842 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1333 { 1843 {
1334 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1844 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1335 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1845 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1336 { 1846 {
1337 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1847 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1338 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1848 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1339 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1849 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1340 } 1850 }
1341 else 1851 else
1342 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1852 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1343 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1853 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1344 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1854 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1345 } 1855 }
1346 1856
1347 ... 1857 ...
1348 ev_stat passwd; 1858 ev_stat passwd;
1349 1859
1350 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1860 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1351 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1861 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1862
1863Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1864miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1865one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1866C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1867
1868 static ev_stat passwd;
1869 static ev_timer timer;
1870
1871 static void
1872 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1873 {
1874 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1875
1876 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1877 }
1878
1879 static void
1880 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1881 {
1882 /* reset the one-second timer */
1883 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1884 }
1885
1886 ...
1887 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1888 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1889 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1352 1890
1353 1891
1354=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1892=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1355 1893
1356Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1894Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1357(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1895priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1358as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1896count).
1359imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1897
1360watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1898That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1899(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1900triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1901are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1361until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1902iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1362busy. 1903and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1363 1904
1364The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1905The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1365active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1906active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1366 1907
1367Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1908Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1368effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1909effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1369"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1910"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1370event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1911event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1371 1912
1913=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1914
1372=over 4 1915=over 4
1373 1916
1374=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1917=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1375 1918
1376Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1919Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1377kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1920kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1378believe me. 1921believe me.
1379 1922
1380=back 1923=back
1381 1924
1925=head3 Examples
1926
1382Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1927Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1383callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1928callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1384 1929
1385 static void 1930 static void
1386 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1931 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1387 { 1932 {
1388 free (w); 1933 free (w);
1389 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1934 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1390 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1935 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1391 } 1936 }
1392 1937
1393 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1938 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1394 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1939 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1395 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1940 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1396 1941
1397 1942
1398=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1943=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1399 1944
1400Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1945Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1419 1964
1420This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1965This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1421to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1966to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1422them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1967them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1423provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1968provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1424any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1969any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1425and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1970and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1426callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1971callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1427because you never know, you know?). 1972because you never know, you know?).
1428 1973
1429As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1974As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1433with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1978with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1434of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1979of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1435loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1980loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1436low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1981low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1437 1982
1983It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1984priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1985after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1986too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1987supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1988did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1989(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1990state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1991coexist peacefully with others).
1992
1993=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1994
1438=over 4 1995=over 4
1439 1996
1440=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1997=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1441 1998
1442=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1999=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1445parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2002parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1446macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2003macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1447 2004
1448=back 2005=back
1449 2006
1450Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 2007=head3 Examples
1451and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 2008
2009There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
2010into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
2011(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
2012use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
2013Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
2014Glib event loop).
2015
2016Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1452in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 2017and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1453pseudo-code only of course: 2018is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
2019priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
2020the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1454 2021
1455 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2022 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1456 static ev_timer tw; 2023 static ev_timer tw;
1457 2024
1458 static void 2025 static void
1459 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2026 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1460 { 2027 {
1461 // set the relevant poll flags
1462 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1463 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1464 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1465 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1466 } 2028 }
1467 2029
1468 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2030 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1469 static void 2031 static void
1470 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2032 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1471 { 2033 {
1472 int timeout = 3600000; 2034 int timeout = 3600000;
1473 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2035 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1474 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2036 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1475 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2037 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1476 2038
1477 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2039 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1478 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2040 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1479 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2041 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1480 2042
1481 // create on ev_io per pollfd 2043 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1482 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2044 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1483 { 2045 {
1484 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2046 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1485 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2047 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1486 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2048 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1487 2049
1488 fds [i].revents = 0; 2050 fds [i].revents = 0;
1489 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1490 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2051 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1491 } 2052 }
1492 } 2053 }
1493 2054
1494 // stop all watchers after blocking 2055 // stop all watchers after blocking
1495 static void 2056 static void
1496 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2057 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1497 { 2058 {
1498 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2059 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1499 2060
1500 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2061 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2062 {
2063 // set the relevant poll flags
2064 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
2065 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
2066 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
2067 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
2068 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2069
2070 // now stop the watcher
1501 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2071 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2072 }
1502 2073
1503 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2074 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1504 } 2075 }
2076
2077Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2078in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2079
2080Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2081notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2082callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2083
2084 static void
2085 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2086 {
2087 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2088 update_now (EV_A);
2089
2090 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2091 }
2092
2093 static void
2094 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2095 {
2096 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2097 update_now (EV_A);
2098
2099 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2100 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2101 }
2102
2103 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2104
2105Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2106want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2107their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2108loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2109this.
2110
2111 static gint
2112 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2113 {
2114 int got_events = 0;
2115
2116 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2117 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2118
2119 if (timeout >= 0)
2120 // create/start timer
2121
2122 // poll
2123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2124
2125 // stop timer again
2126 if (timeout >= 0)
2127 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2128
2129 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2130 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2131 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2132
2133 return got_events;
2134 }
1505 2135
1506 2136
1507=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2137=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1508 2138
1509This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2139This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1551portable one. 2181portable one.
1552 2182
1553So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2183So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1554that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2184that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1555this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2185this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1556create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2186create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1557 2187
1558 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1559 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1560 struct ev_embed embed;
1561
1562 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1563 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1564 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1565 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1566 : 0;
1567
1568 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1569 if (loop_lo)
1570 {
1571 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1572 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1573 }
1574 else
1575 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1576 2189
1577=over 4 2190=over 4
1578 2191
1579=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2192=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1580 2193
1582 2195
1583Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2196Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1584embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2197embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1585invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2198invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1586to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2199to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1587if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2200if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1588 2201
1589=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2202=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1590 2203
1591Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2204Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1592similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2205similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1593apropriate way for embedded loops. 2206appropriate way for embedded loops.
1594 2207
1595=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2208=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1596 2209
1597The embedded event loop. 2210The embedded event loop.
1598 2211
1599=back 2212=back
2213
2214=head3 Examples
2215
2216Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2217event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2218loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2219C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2220used).
2221
2222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2224 struct ev_embed embed;
2225
2226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2230 : 0;
2231
2232 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2233 if (loop_lo)
2234 {
2235 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2236 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2237 }
2238 else
2239 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2240
2241Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2242a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2243kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2245
2246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2248 struct ev_embed embed;
2249
2250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2252 {
2253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2254 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2255 }
2256
2257 if (!loop_socket)
2258 loop_socket = loop;
2259
2260 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1600 2261
1601 2262
1602=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2263=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1603 2264
1604Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2265Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1607event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2268event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1608and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2269and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1609C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2270C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1610handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2271handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1611 2272
2273=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2274
1612=over 4 2275=over 4
1613 2276
1614=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2277=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1615 2278
1616Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2279Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1617kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2280kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1618believe me. 2281believe me.
2282
2283=back
2284
2285
2286=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2287
2288In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2289asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2290loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2291
2292Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2293control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2294C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2295can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2296safe.
2297
2298This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2299too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2300(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2301C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2302
2303Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2304just the default loop.
2305
2306=head3 Queueing
2307
2308C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2309is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2310multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2311need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2312
2313That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2314queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2315queue:
2316
2317=over 4
2318
2319=item queueing from a signal handler context
2320
2321To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2322handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2323some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2324
2325 static ev_async mysig;
2326
2327 static void
2328 sigusr1_handler (void)
2329 {
2330 sometype data;
2331
2332 // no locking etc.
2333 queue_put (data);
2334 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2335 }
2336
2337 static void
2338 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2339 {
2340 sometype data;
2341 sigset_t block, prev;
2342
2343 sigemptyset (&block);
2344 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2345 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2346
2347 while (queue_get (&data))
2348 process (data);
2349
2350 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2351 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2352 }
2353
2354(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2355instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2356either...).
2357
2358=item queueing from a thread context
2359
2360The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2361threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2362employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2363
2364 static ev_async mysig;
2365 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2366
2367 static void
2368 otherthread (void)
2369 {
2370 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2371 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2372 queue_put (data);
2373 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2374
2375 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2376 }
2377
2378 static void
2379 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2380 {
2381 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2382
2383 while (queue_get (&data))
2384 process (data);
2385
2386 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2387 }
2388
2389=back
2390
2391
2392=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2393
2394=over 4
2395
2396=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2397
2398Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2399kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2400believe me.
2401
2402=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2403
2404Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2405an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2406C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2407similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2408section below on what exactly this means).
2409
2410This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2411so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2412calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2413
2414=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2415
2416Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2417watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2418event loop.
2419
2420C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2421the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2422it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2423quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2424
2425Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2426whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1619 2427
1620=back 2428=back
1621 2429
1622 2430
1623=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2431=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1634or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2442or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1635more watchers yourself. 2443more watchers yourself.
1636 2444
1637If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2445If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1638is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2446is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1639C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2447C<events> set will be created and started.
1640 2448
1641If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2449If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1642started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2450started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1643repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2451repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1644dubious value. 2452dubious value.
1646The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2454The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1647passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2455passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1648C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2456C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1649value passed to C<ev_once>: 2457value passed to C<ev_once>:
1650 2458
1651 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2459 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1652 { 2460 {
1653 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2461 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1654 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2462 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1655 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2463 else if (revents & EV_READ)
1656 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2464 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1657 } 2465 }
1658 2466
1659 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2467 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1660 2468
1661=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2469=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1662 2470
1663Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2471Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1664had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2472had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1669Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1670the given events it. 2478the given events it.
1671 2479
1672=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2480=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1673 2481
1674Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1675loop!). 2483loop!).
1676 2484
1677=back 2485=back
1678 2486
1679 2487
1695 2503
1696=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2504=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1697will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2505will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1698is an ev_pri field. 2506is an ev_pri field.
1699 2507
2508=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2509first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2510
1700=item * Other members are not supported. 2511=item * Other members are not supported.
1701 2512
1702=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2513=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1703to use the libev header file and library. 2514to use the libev header file and library.
1704 2515
1705=back 2516=back
1706 2517
1707=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2518=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1708 2519
1709Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2520Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1710you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2521you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1711the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2522the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1712 2523
1713To use it, 2524To use it,
1714 2525
1715 #include <ev++.h> 2526 #include <ev++.h>
1716 2527
1717(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2528This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1718and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2529of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1719namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2530put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2531options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1720 2532
1721It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2533Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1722C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2534classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2535that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2536you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2537
2538Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2539used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2540need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2541types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2542it).
1723 2543
1724Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2544Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1725 2545
1726=over 4 2546=over 4
1727 2547
1743 2563
1744All of those classes have these methods: 2564All of those classes have these methods:
1745 2565
1746=over 4 2566=over 4
1747 2567
1748=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2568=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1749 2569
1750=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2570=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1751 2571
1752=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2572=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1753 2573
1754The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2574The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1755the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2575with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1756C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2576
1757before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2577The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1758automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2578C<set> method before starting it.
2579
2580It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2581method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2582
2583(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2584not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1759 2585
1760The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2586The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2587
2588=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2589
2590This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2591signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2592first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2593parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2594
2595This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2596the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2597callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2598your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2599thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2600
2601Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2602
2603 struct myclass
2604 {
2605 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2606 }
2607
2608 myclass obj;
2609 ev::io iow;
2610 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2611
2612=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2613
2614Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2615callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2616C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2617
2618The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2619
2620See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2621
2622Example:
2623
2624 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2625 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1761 2626
1762=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2627=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1763 2628
1764Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2629Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1765do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2630do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1766 2631
1767=item w->set ([args]) 2632=item w->set ([arguments])
1768 2633
1769Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2634Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1770called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2635called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1771automatically stopped and restarted. 2636automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2637method.
1772 2638
1773=item w->start () 2639=item w->start ()
1774 2640
1775Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2641Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1776constructor already takes the loop. 2642constructor already stores the event loop.
1777 2643
1778=item w->stop () 2644=item w->stop ()
1779 2645
1780Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2646Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1781 2647
1782=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2648=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1783 2649
1784For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2650For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1785C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2651C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1786 2652
1787=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2653=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1788 2654
1789Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2655Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1790 2656
1791=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2657=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1792 2658
1793Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2659Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1794 2660
1795=back 2661=back
1796 2662
1797=back 2663=back
1798 2664
1799Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2665Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1800the constructor. 2666the constructor.
1801 2667
1802 class myclass 2668 class myclass
1803 { 2669 {
1804 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2670 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1805 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2671 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1806 2672
1807 myclass (); 2673 myclass (int fd)
1808 } 2674 {
2675 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2676 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1809 2677
1810 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1811 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1812 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1813 {
1814 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2678 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2679 }
1815 } 2680 };
2681
2682
2683=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2684
2685Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2686number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2687any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2688me a note.
2689
2690=over 4
2691
2692=item Perl
2693
2694The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2695libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2696there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2697to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2698C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2699
2700It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2701L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2702
2703=item Python
2704
2705Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2706seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2707patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2708for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2709libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2710libev).
2711
2712=item Ruby
2713
2714Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2715of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2716more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2717L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2718
2719=item D
2720
2721Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2722be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2723
2724=back
1816 2725
1817 2726
1818=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2727=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1819 2728
1820Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2729Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
1821C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2730of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1822callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2731functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1823 2732
1824To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2733To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1825following macros are defined: 2734following macros are defined:
1826 2735
1827=over 4 2736=over 4
1830 2739
1831This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2740This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1832loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2741loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1833C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2742C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1834 2743
1835 ev_unref (EV_A); 2744 ev_unref (EV_A);
1836 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2745 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1837 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2746 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1838 2747
1839It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2748It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1840which is often provided by the following macro. 2749which is often provided by the following macro.
1841 2750
1842=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2751=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1843 2752
1844This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2753This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1845loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2754loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1846C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2755C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1847 2756
1848 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2757 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1849 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2758 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1850 2759
1851 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2760 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1852 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2761 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1853 2762
1854It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2763It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1855suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2764suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1856 2765
1857=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2766=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1858 2767
1859Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2768Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1860loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2769loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1861 2770
2771=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2772
2773Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2774default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2775is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2776execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2777
2778It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2779watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2780
1862=back 2781=back
1863 2782
1864Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2783Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1865macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2784macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1866or not. 2785or not.
1867 2786
1868 static void 2787 static void
1869 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2788 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1870 { 2789 {
1871 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2790 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1872 } 2791 }
1873 2792
1874 ev_check check; 2793 ev_check check;
1875 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2794 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1876 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2795 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1877 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2796 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1878 2797
1879=head1 EMBEDDING 2798=head1 EMBEDDING
1880 2799
1881Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2800Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1882applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2801applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1883Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2802Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1884and rxvt-unicode. 2803and rxvt-unicode.
1885 2804
1886The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2805The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1887source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2806source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1888you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2807you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1889libev somewhere in your source tree). 2808libev somewhere in your source tree).
1890 2809
1891=head2 FILESETS 2810=head2 FILESETS
1892 2811
1893Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2812Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1894in your app. 2813in your application.
1895 2814
1896=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2815=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1897 2816
1898To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2817To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1899configuration (no autoconf): 2818configuration (no autoconf):
1900 2819
1901 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2820 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1902 #include "ev.c" 2821 #include "ev.c"
1903 2822
1904This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2823This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1905single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2824single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1906it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2825it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1907done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2826done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1908where you can put other configuration options): 2827where you can put other configuration options):
1909 2828
1910 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1911 #include "ev.h" 2830 #include "ev.h"
1912 2831
1913Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2832Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1914compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2833compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1915as a bug). 2834as a bug).
1916 2835
1917You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2836You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1918in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2837in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1919 2838
1920 ev.h 2839 ev.h
1921 ev.c 2840 ev.c
1922 ev_vars.h 2841 ev_vars.h
1923 ev_wrap.h 2842 ev_wrap.h
1924 2843
1925 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2844 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1926 2845
1927 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2846 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1928 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2847 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1929 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2848 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1930 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2849 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1931 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2850 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1932 2851
1933F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2852F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1934to compile this single file. 2853to compile this single file.
1935 2854
1936=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2855=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1937 2856
1938To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2857To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1939 2858
1940 #include "event.c" 2859 #include "event.c"
1941 2860
1942in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2861in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1943 2862
1944 #include "event.h" 2863 #include "event.h"
1945 2864
1946in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2865in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1947 2866
1948You need the following additional files for this: 2867You need the following additional files for this:
1949 2868
1950 event.h 2869 event.h
1951 event.c 2870 event.c
1952 2871
1953=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2872=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1954 2873
1955Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2874Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1956whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2875whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1957F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2876F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1958include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2877include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1959 2878
1960For this of course you need the m4 file: 2879For this of course you need the m4 file:
1961 2880
1962 libev.m4 2881 libev.m4
1963 2882
1964=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2883=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1965 2884
1966Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2885Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1967before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2886define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1968and only include the select backend. 2887autoconf is noted for every option.
1969 2888
1970=over 4 2889=over 4
1971 2890
1972=item EV_STANDALONE 2891=item EV_STANDALONE
1973 2892
1978F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2897F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1979 2898
1980=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2899=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1981 2900
1982If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2901If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1983monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2902monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1984of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2903of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1985usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2904usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1986the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2905the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1987to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2906to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1988function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2907function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1989 2908
1990=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2909=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1991 2910
1992If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2911If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1993realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2912real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1994runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2913runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1995be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2914be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1996(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2915(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1997in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2916note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2917
2918=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2919
2920If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2921and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2922
2923=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2924
2925If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2926available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2927C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2928If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29292.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1998 2930
1999=item EV_USE_SELECT 2931=item EV_USE_SELECT
2000 2932
2001If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2933If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2002C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2934C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2003other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2935other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2004will not be compiled in. 2936will not be compiled in.
2005 2937
2006=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2938=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2007 2939
2008If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2940If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2009structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2941structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2010C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2942C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2011exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2943exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2012low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2944low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2013allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2945allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2014influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2946influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2015 2947
2021be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2953be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2022C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2954C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2023it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2955it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2024on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2956on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2025 2957
2958=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2959
2960If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2961file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2962default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2963correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2964in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2965
2026=item EV_USE_POLL 2966=item EV_USE_POLL
2027 2967
2028If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2968If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2029backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2969backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2030takes precedence over select. 2970takes precedence over select.
2031 2971
2032=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2972=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2033 2973
2034If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2035C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2975C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2036otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2976otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2037preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2977backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2978headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2038 2979
2039=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2980=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2040 2981
2041If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2982If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2042C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2983C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2055otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2996otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2056backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2997backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2057 2998
2058=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2999=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2059 3000
2060reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3001Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2061 3002
2062=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3003=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2063 3004
2064If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3005If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2065interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3006interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2066be detected at runtime. 3007be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3008indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3009
3010=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3011
3012Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3013access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3014type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3015that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3016as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3017
3018In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3019(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2067 3020
2068=item EV_H 3021=item EV_H
2069 3022
2070The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3023The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2071undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 3024undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2072can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3025used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2073 3026
2074=item EV_CONFIG_H 3027=item EV_CONFIG_H
2075 3028
2076If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3029If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2077F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3030F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2078C<EV_H>, above. 3031C<EV_H>, above.
2079 3032
2080=item EV_EVENT_H 3033=item EV_EVENT_H
2081 3034
2082Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3035Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2083of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3036of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2084 3037
2085=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3038=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2086 3039
2087If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3040If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2088prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3041prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2095will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 3048will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2096additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 3049additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2097for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 3050for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2098argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 3051argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2099 3052
3053=item EV_MINPRI
3054
3055=item EV_MAXPRI
3056
3057The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3058C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
3059provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
3060to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
3061
3062When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3063all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3064and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3065fine.
3066
3067If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
3068C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3069
2100=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3070=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2101 3071
2102If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3072If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2103defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3073defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2104code. 3074code.
2105 3075
3076=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
3077
3078If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3079defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3080code.
3081
2106=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3082=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2107 3083
2108If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3084If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2109defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3085defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2110 3086
2116=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3092=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2117 3093
2118If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3094If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2119defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3095defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2120 3096
3097=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3098
3099If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3100defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3101
2121=item EV_MINIMAL 3102=item EV_MINIMAL
2122 3103
2123If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3104If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2124speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3105speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2125some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3106inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3107much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2126 3108
2127=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3109=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2128 3110
2129C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3111C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2130pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3112pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2131than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3113than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2132increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3114increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2133 3115
2134=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3116=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2135 3117
2136C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3118C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2137inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3119inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2138usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3120usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2139watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3121watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2140two). 3122two).
2141 3123
3124=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3125
3126Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3127timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3128to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3129noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3130
3131The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3132(disabled).
3133
3134=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3135
3136Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3137timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3138the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3139which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3140but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3141noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3142
3143The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3144(disabled).
3145
3146=item EV_VERIFY
3147
3148Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3149be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3150in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3151called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3152called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3153verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3154libev considerably.
3155
3156The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3157C<0.>
3158
2142=item EV_COMMON 3159=item EV_COMMON
2143 3160
2144By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3161By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2145this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3162this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2146members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3163members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2147though, and it must be identical each time. 3164though, and it must be identical each time.
2148 3165
2149For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3166For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2150 3167
2151 #define EV_COMMON \ 3168 #define EV_COMMON \
2152 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3169 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2153 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3170 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2154 3171
2155=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3172=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2156 3173
2157=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3174=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2158 3175
2159=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3176=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2160 3177
2161Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3178Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2162and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3179and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2163definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3180definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2164their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3181their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2165avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3182avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2166method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3183method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3184
3185=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3186
3187If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3188exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3189all public symbols, one per line:
3190
3191 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3192 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3193
3194This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3195multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3196itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3197
3198A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3199include before including F<ev.h>:
3200
3201 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3202
3203This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3204
3205 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3206 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3207 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3208 ...
2167 3209
2168=head2 EXAMPLES 3210=head2 EXAMPLES
2169 3211
2170For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3212For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2171verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3213verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2176file. 3218file.
2177 3219
2178The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3220The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2179that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3221that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2180 3222
2181 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3223 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2182 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3224 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2183 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3225 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2184 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3226 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2185 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3227 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2186 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3228 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2187 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3229 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2188 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3230 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2189 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3231 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2190 3232
2191 #include "ev++.h" 3233 #include "ev++.h"
2192 3234
2193And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3235And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2194 3236
2195 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3237 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2196 #include "ev.c" 3238 #include "ev.c"
3239
3240
3241=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3242
3243=head2 THREADS
3244
3245Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically
3246documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that
3247you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as only one
3248thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop parameter:
3249libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that
3250need locking.
3251
3252Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3253concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3254must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3255only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3256a mutex per loop).
3257
3258Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3259so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3260concurrency on the same event loop.
3261
3262If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3263without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3264help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3265
3266=over 4
3267
3268=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3269in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3270
3271This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3272themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3273
3274=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3275
3276Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3277exists, but it is always a good start.
3278
3279=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3280loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3281
3282Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3283better than you currently do :-)
3284
3285=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3286event loop.
3287
3288C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3289(or from signal contexts...).
3290
3291An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3292work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3293default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3294watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3295
3296=back
3297
3298=head2 COROUTINES
3299
3300Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3301libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3302coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3303different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3304loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3305you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3306
3307Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3308C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine switches.
2197 3309
2198 3310
2199=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3311=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2200 3312
2201In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3313In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2202libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3314libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2203documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3315documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2204 3316
3317All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3318extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3319happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3320mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3321it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3322
2205=over 4 3323=over 4
2206 3324
2207=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3325=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2208 3326
3327This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3328there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3329have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3330
2209=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3331=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2210 3332
3333That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3334as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3335
2211=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3336=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2212 3337
3338These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3339
2213=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3340=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2214 3341
2215=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3342=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2216 3343
3344These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3345correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3346have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3347
2217=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3348=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3349
3350By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3351fixed position in the storage array.
2218 3352
2219=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3353=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2220 3354
2221=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3355A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3356libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3357on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3358
3359=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3360
3361=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3362
3363Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3364priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3365linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3366watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3367
3368=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3369
3370=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3371
3372=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3373
3374Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3375calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3376involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2222 3377
2223=back 3378=back
2224 3379
2225 3380
3381=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3382
3383Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3384requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3385model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3386the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3387descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3388e.g. cygwin.
3389
3390Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3391re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3392things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3393way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3394
3395There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3396embedding it into other applications.
3397
3398Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3399accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3400either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3401so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3402megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3403available).
3404
3405Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3406the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3407is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3408more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3409different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3410notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3411(Microsoft monopoly games).
3412
3413A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3414section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3415of F<ev.h>:
3416
3417 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3418 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3419
3420 #include "ev.h"
3421
3422And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3423you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3424
3425 #include "evwrap.h"
3426 #include "ev.c"
3427
3428=over 4
3429
3430=item The winsocket select function
3431
3432The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3433requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3434also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3435requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3436C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3437discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3438C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3439
3440The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3441libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3442
3443 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3444 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3445
3446Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3447complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3448
3449=item Limited number of file descriptors
3450
3451Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3452
3453Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3454of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3455can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3456recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3457previous thread in each. Great).
3458
3459Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3460to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3461call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3462select emulation on windows).
3463
3464Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3465libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3466or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3467C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3468arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3469libraries.
3470
3471This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3472windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3473wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3474calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3475
3476=back
3477
3478
3479=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3480
3481In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3482additional extensions:
3483
3484=over 4
3485
3486=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3487calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3488
3489Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3490structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3491assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3492callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3493calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3494
3495=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3496
3497The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3498C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3499threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3500believed to be sufficiently portable.
3501
3502=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3503
3504Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3505allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3506pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3507thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3508be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3509C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3510
3511The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3512except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3513well.
3514
3515=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3516
3517To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3518internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3519non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3520is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3521millions of watchers.
3522
3523=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3524
3525The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3526have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3527enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3528implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3529
3530=back
3531
3532If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3533
3534
3535=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3536
3537Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3538lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3539scared by this.
3540
3541However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3542has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3543warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3544targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3545
3546Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3547workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3548maintainable.
3549
3550And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3551wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3552seems to warn about).
3553
3554While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3555"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3556with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3557them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3558warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3559
3560
3561=head1 VALGRIND
3562
3563Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3564highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3565
3566If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3567in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3568
3569 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3570 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3571 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3572
3573Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3574valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3575might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3576
3577If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3578with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3579a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3580no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3581properly.
3582
3583If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3584I suggest using suppression lists.
3585
3586
2226=head1 AUTHOR 3587=head1 AUTHOR
2227 3588
2228Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3589Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2229 3590

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