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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
113 117
114=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
115 119
116=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 121
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 134not a problem.
128 135
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 137version.
482libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
483usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
484 491
485Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
486 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
487 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
488 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
489 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
490 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
491 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
492 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
493 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
732=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
733 741
734Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 742Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 743events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 744is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
739 748
740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741 750
742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
743 752
744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
745 754
746Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
747(modulo threads). 756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
748 797
749=back 798=back
750 799
751 800
752=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
858it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 907it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
859C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
860 909
861If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 910If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
862play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
863wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
864such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
865its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
866 937
867=over 4 938=over 4
868 939
869=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
870 941
1028but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1099but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1029to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1100to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1030periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1101periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1031+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1102+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1032take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1103take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1033roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
1034again).
1035 1105
1036They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1106They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1037triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
1038 1109
1039As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1110As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1040time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1111time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1041during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1042 1113
1049Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1120Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1050operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1051 1122
1052=over 4 1123=over 4
1053 1124
1054=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1055 1126
1056In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1057C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1128C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1058that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1129that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1059system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1060 1131
1061=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1062 1133
1063In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1134In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1064C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1135C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1065of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1066 1137
1067This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1138This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1068time: 1139time:
1069 1140
1070 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1076 1147
1077Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another 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 1149C<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. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1080 1151
1152For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1153C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1154this value.
1155
1081=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1082 1157
1083In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1158In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1084ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1085reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1086current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
1087 1162
1088NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1089ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1164ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1090return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1165return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1091starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1092 1167
1093Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1094ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1095 1170
1096 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1171 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1118 1193
1119Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1120when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when 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 1196a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1122program when the crontabs have changed). 1197program when the crontabs have changed).
1198
1199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1200
1201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1202absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1203
1204Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1205timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1123 1206
1124=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1125 1208
1126The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1209The 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 1210take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1352 1435
1353 1436
1354=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1437=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1355 1438
1356Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle 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 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1358as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
1359imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
1360watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1443That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1444(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1445triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1446are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1361until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1362busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1363 1449
1364The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1450The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1365active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1366 1452
1367Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1433with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1519with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1434of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1520of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1435loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1436low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1437 1523
1524It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1525priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1526after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1527too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1528supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1529their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1530loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1531C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1532others).
1533
1438=over 4 1534=over 4
1439 1535
1440=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1441 1537
1442=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1445parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1541parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1446macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1447 1543
1448=back 1544=back
1449 1545
1450Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1546There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1451and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1547into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1548(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1549use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1550embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1551into the Glib event loop).
1552
1553Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1452in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1554and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1453pseudo-code only of course: 1555is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1556priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1557the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1454 1558
1455 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1456 static ev_timer tw; 1560 static ev_timer tw;
1457 1561
1458 static void 1562 static void
1459 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1460 { 1564 {
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 } 1565 }
1467 1566
1468 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1469 static void 1568 static void
1470 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1476 1575
1477 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1576 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1478 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1479 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1480 1579
1481 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1482 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1483 { 1582 {
1484 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1485 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1486 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1487 1586
1488 fds [i].revents = 0; 1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1489 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1490 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1491 } 1589 }
1492 } 1590 }
1493 1591
1494 // stop all watchers after blocking 1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1496 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1497 { 1595 {
1498 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1499 1597
1500 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1598 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1599 {
1600 // set the relevant poll flags
1601 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1602 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1603 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1604 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1605 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1606
1607 // now stop the watcher
1501 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1502 1610
1503 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1611 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1612 }
1613
1614Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1615in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1616
1617Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1618notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1619callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1620
1621 static void
1622 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1623 {
1624 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1625 update_now (EV_A);
1626
1627 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1634 update_now (EV_A);
1635
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1638 }
1639
1640 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1641
1642Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1643want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1644their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1645loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1646this.
1647
1648 static gint
1649 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1650 {
1651 int got_events = 0;
1652
1653 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1654 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1655
1656 if (timeout >= 0)
1657 // create/start timer
1658
1659 // poll
1660 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1661
1662 // stop timer again
1663 if (timeout >= 0)
1664 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1665
1666 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1667 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1668 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1669
1670 return got_events;
1504 } 1671 }
1505 1672
1506 1673
1507=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1508 1675
1712 1879
1713To use it, 1880To use it,
1714 1881
1715 #include <ev++.h> 1882 #include <ev++.h>
1716 1883
1717(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1884This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1718and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1719namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1886put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1887options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1720 1888
1721It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1889Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1722C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1890classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1891that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1892you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1893
1894Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1895used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1896need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1897types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1898it).
1723 1899
1724Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1725 1901
1726=over 4 1902=over 4
1727 1903
1743 1919
1744All of those classes have these methods: 1920All of those classes have these methods:
1745 1921
1746=over 4 1922=over 4
1747 1923
1748=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1749 1925
1750=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1751 1927
1752=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1753 1929
1754The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1755the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1931with. 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 1932
1757before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1933The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1758automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1934C<set> method before starting it.
1935
1936It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1937method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1938
1939(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1940not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1759 1941
1760The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1942The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1943
1944=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1945
1946This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1947signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1948first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1949parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1950
1951This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1952the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1953callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1954your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1955thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1956
1957Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1958
1959 struct myclass
1960 {
1961 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1962 }
1963
1964 myclass obj;
1965 ev::io iow;
1966 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1967
1968=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1969
1970Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1971callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1972C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1973
1974The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1975
1976See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1977
1978Example:
1979
1980 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1981 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1761 1982
1762=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1763 1984
1764Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1985Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1765do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1766 1987
1767=item w->set ([args]) 1988=item w->set ([args])
1768 1989
1769Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1990Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1770called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1771automatically stopped and restarted. 1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1772 1994
1773=item w->start () 1995=item w->start ()
1774 1996
1775Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1997Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1776constructor already takes the loop. 1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1777 1999
1778=item w->stop () 2000=item w->stop ()
1779 2001
1780Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1781 2003
1806 2028
1807 myclass (); 2029 myclass ();
1808 } 2030 }
1809 2031
1810 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1811 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1812 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1813 { 2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
1814 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1815 } 2038 }
1816 2039
1817 2040
1818=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1819 2042
1820Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2043Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1821C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1822callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1823 2046
1824To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2047To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1825following macros are defined: 2048following macros are defined:
1826 2049
1860loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1861 2084
1862=back 2085=back
1863 2086
1864Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1865macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1866or not. 2089or not.
1867 2090
1868 static void 2091 static void
1869 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1870 { 2093 {
2095will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2318will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2096additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2097for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2098argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2099 2322
2323=item EV_MINPRI
2324
2325=item EV_MAXPRI
2326
2327The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2328C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2329provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2330to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2331
2332When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2333all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2334and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2335fine.
2336
2337If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2338C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2339
2100=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2101 2341
2102If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2344code.
2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2103defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2104code. 2350code.
2105 2351
2106=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2107 2353
2200 2446
2201In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2202libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2203documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2204 2450
2451All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2452extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2453happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2454mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2455it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2456
2205=over 4 2457=over 4
2206 2458
2207=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2459=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2208 2460
2461This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2462there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2463have to skip those 100 watchers.
2464
2209=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2465=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2210 2466
2467That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2468as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2469
2211=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2212 2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2213=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2214 2474
2215=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2216 2476
2477These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2478correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2479have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2480
2217=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2218 2482
2219=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2483=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2220 2484
2485A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2486libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2487
2221=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2222 2489
2490=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2491
2492Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2493priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2494linearly search all the priorities.
2495
2223=back 2496=back
2224 2497
2225 2498
2226=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
2227 2500

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