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Revision 1.48 by root, Tue Nov 27 08:11:52 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.66 by root, Mon Dec 3 13:41:25 2007 UTC

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
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 72with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
73(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
74watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
75C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
76file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
77(C<ev_fork>).
78
79It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 81for example).
33 82
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 83=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 84
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 91
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 93
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 99it, you should treat it as such.
52 100
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 102
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 104library in any way.
58 105
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 127not a problem.
81 128
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 130version.
84 131
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 132 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 135
118 165
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 167
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 169
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
175function.
128 176
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 180
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 182retries).
135 183
136 static void * 184 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 186 {
139 for (;;) 187 for (;;)
140 { 188 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 189 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 190
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 209(such as abort).
162 210
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 212
165 static void 213 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 214 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 215 {
168 perror (msg); 216 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 269around bugs.
222 270
271=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
272
273Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag.
276
277This 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
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux 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
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283
284The 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
286flag.
287
288This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
289environment variable.
290
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 291=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 292
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 293This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 294libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 295but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 382Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 383always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 384handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 385undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 386
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 387Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 388
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 389 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 390 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 391 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 392
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 429=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 430
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 432C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434
435=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
436
437Returns 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
439happily wraps around with enough iterations.
440
441This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
442"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
443C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 444
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 445=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 446
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 447Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 448use.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 501 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 502 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 503 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 504 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 505
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 506Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 507anymore.
430 508
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 509 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 510 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 511 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 531visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 532no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 533way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 534libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 535
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 536Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 537running when nothing else is active.
460 538
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 539 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 540 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 541 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 542 evf_unref (loop);
465 543
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 544Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 545
468 ev_ref (myloop); 546 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 547 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 548
471=back 549=back
472 550
473 551
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 552=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 643received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
566many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 644many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
567(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 645(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 646C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 647
648=item C<EV_EMBED>
649
650The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
651
652=item C<EV_FORK>
653
654The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
655C<ev_fork>).
656
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 657=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 658
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 659An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 660happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
574ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 661ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
648events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
649is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
650C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
652 739
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 741
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 743
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 745
686 { 773 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 774 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 775 ...
689 } 776 }
690 777
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 778More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 779instead have been omitted.
780
781Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
782watchers:
783
784 struct my_biggy
785 {
786 int some_data;
787 ev_timer t1;
788 ev_timer t2;
789 }
790
791In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
792you need to use C<offsetof>:
793
794 #include <stddef.h>
795
796 static void
797 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
798 {
799 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
800 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
801 }
802
803 static void
804 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
805 {
806 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
807 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
808 }
693 809
694 810
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 811=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 812
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 813This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
766 882
767The events being watched. 883The events being watched.
768 884
769=back 885=back
770 886
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 887Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 888readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 889attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 890
775 static void 891 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 892 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 893 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 894 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 946=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 947
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 948This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 949repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 950
951If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
952
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 953If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 954
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 955If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 956C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 957
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 958This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 959example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
842idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 960timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
843say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 961seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
844this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 962configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
845C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 963C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
846you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 964you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
847socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 965socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 966automatically restart it if need be.
849 967
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 968That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 969altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 970
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 971 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 972 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 973 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 974 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 975 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 976 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 977 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 978 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 979
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 980This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 981you want to modify its timeout value.
864 982
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 983=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 984
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 985The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
868or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 986or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 987which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 988
871=back 989=back
872 990
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 991Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 992
875 static void 993 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 994 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 995 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 996 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 998
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 999 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1000 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1001 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1002
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1003Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1004inactivity.
887 1005
888 static void 1006 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1007 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1008 {
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1133switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1134the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1135
1018=back 1136=back
1019 1137
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1138Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1139system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1140potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1141
1024 static void 1142 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1143 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1147
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1148 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1149 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1150 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1151
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1152Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1153
1036 #include <math.h> 1154 #include <math.h>
1037 1155
1038 static ev_tstamp 1156 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1157 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1159 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1160 }
1043 1161
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1162 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1163
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1164Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1165
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1166 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1167 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1168 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1169 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1230The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1231C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1232
1115=back 1233=back
1116 1234
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1236
1119 static void 1237 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1239 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1255not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1138not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1256not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1139otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1257otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1258the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1259
1260The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1261relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1262
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1263Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1143calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1264calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1144can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1265can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1266a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1267unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1268five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1269impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1271
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1272This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1273as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1274resource-intensive.
1154 1275
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1276At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1277implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1278reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1279semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1280to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1281usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1282polling.
1157 1283
1158=over 4 1284=over 4
1159 1285
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1286=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1287
1251kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1377kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1378believe me.
1253 1379
1254=back 1380=back
1255 1381
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1382Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1383callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1384
1259 static void 1385 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1386 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1387 {
1262 free (w); 1388 free (w);
1341 1467
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1468 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1469 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1470 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1471 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1472 int timeout = 3600000;
1473 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1474 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1475 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1476
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1477 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1478 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1470The embedded event loop. 1597The embedded event loop.
1471 1598
1472=back 1599=back
1473 1600
1474 1601
1602=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1603
1604Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1605whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1606C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1607event 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
1609C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1610handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1611
1612=over 4
1613
1614=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1615
1616Initialises 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,
1618believe me.
1619
1620=back
1621
1622
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1623=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1476 1624
1477There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 1625There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1478 1626
1479=over 4 1627=over 4
1638 1786
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1787=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1640 1788
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1789Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 1790
1791=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1792
1793Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1794
1643=back 1795=back
1644 1796
1645=back 1797=back
1646 1798
1647Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1799Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1659 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 1811 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1660 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 1812 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1661 { 1813 {
1662 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1814 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1663 } 1815 }
1816
1817
1818=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1819
1820Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1821C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1822callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1823
1824To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1825following macros are defined:
1826
1827=over 4
1828
1829=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1830
1831This 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,
1833C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1834
1835 ev_unref (EV_A);
1836 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1837 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1838
1839It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1840which is often provided by the following macro.
1841
1842=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1843
1844This 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,
1846C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1847
1848 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1849 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1850
1851 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1852 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1853
1854It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1855suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1856
1857=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1858
1859Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1860loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1861
1862=back
1863
1864Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1865macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported
1866or not.
1867
1868 static void
1869 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1870 {
1871 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1872 }
1873
1874 ev_check check;
1875 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1876 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1877 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1664 1878
1665=head1 EMBEDDING 1879=head1 EMBEDDING
1666 1880
1667Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1881Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1668applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1882applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1708 ev_vars.h 1922 ev_vars.h
1709 ev_wrap.h 1923 ev_wrap.h
1710 1924
1711 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 1925 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1712 1926
1713 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 1927 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1714 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1928 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1715 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1929 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1716 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1930 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1717 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1931 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1718 1932
1843 2057
1844=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2058=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1845 2059
1846reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2060reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1847 2061
2062=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2063
2064If 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
2066be detected at runtime.
2067
1848=item EV_H 2068=item EV_H
1849 2069
1850The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2070The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1851undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2071undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1852can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2072can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1891=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2111=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1892 2112
1893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2113If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
1894defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2114defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1895 2115
2116=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2117
2118If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2119defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2120
1896=item EV_MINIMAL 2121=item EV_MINIMAL
1897 2122
1898If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2123If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1899speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2124speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1900some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2125some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2126
2127=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2128
2129C<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
2131than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2132increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2133
2134=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2135
2136C<ev_staz> 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>),
2138usually 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
2140two).
1901 2141
1902=item EV_COMMON 2142=item EV_COMMON
1903 2143
1904By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2144By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1905this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2145this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1934interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2174interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1935will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2175will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1936file. 2176file.
1937 2177
1938The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2178The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1939that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2179that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1940 2180
2181 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1941 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2182 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1942 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2183 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1943 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2184 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2185 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2186 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1944 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2187 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2188 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2189 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1945 2190
1946 #include "ev++.h" 2191 #include "ev++.h"
1947 2192
1948And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2193And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1949 2194
1965 2210
1966=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2211=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1967 2212
1968=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2213=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1969 2214
1970=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2215=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1971 2216
1972=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2217=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1973 2218
1974=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2219=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1975 2220

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