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48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
113 119
114=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
115 121
116=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 123
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 126C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 127symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 133Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 136not a problem.
128 137
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 139version.
304lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
305 314
306=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
307 316
308For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 317For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
309but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
310O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 319like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
311either O(1) or O(active_fds). 320epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
321of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
322cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
323support for dup:
312 324
313While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 325While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
314result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 326will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
315(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 327(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
316best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 328best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
317well if you register events for both fds. 329very well if you register events for both fds.
318 330
319Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 331Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
320need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 332need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
321(or space) is available. 333(or space) is available.
322 334
323=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 335=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
324 336
325Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 337Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
326was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 338was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
327anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 339sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
340useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
328completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 341is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
329unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 342unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
330C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 343C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
344system like NetBSD.
331 345
332It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 346It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
333kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 347kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
334course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 348of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
335extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 349never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
336incident, so its best to avoid that. 350changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
351silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
337 352
338=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
339 354
340This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 355This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
341 356
342=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
343 358
344This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 359This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
345it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 360it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
346 361
347Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 362Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
348notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 363notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
349blocking when no data (or space) is available. 364blocking when no data (or space) is available.
350 365
351=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 366=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
352 367
395Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 410Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
396etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 411etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
397sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 412sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
398responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 413responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
399calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 414calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
400the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 415the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
401for example). 416for example).
417
418Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
419this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
420would need to be stopped manually.
421
422In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
423rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
424pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
425C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
402 426
403=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 427=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
404 428
405Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 429Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
406earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 430earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
451 475
452Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 476Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
453received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 477received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
454change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 478change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
455time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 479time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
456event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 480event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
457 481
458=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 482=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
459 483
460Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 484Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
461after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 485after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
482libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 506libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
483usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 507usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
484 508
485Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 509Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
486 510
511 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
487 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 512 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
488 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 513 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
489 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 514 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
490 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 515 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
491 - Update the "event loop time". 516 - Update the "event loop time".
492 - Calculate for how long to block. 517 - Calculate for how long to block.
493 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 518 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
732=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 757=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
733 758
734Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 759Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 760events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 761is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 762C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 763make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
764it).
739 765
740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 766=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741 767
742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 768Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
743 769
744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 770=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
745 771
746Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 772Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
747(modulo threads). 773(modulo threads).
774
775=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
776
777=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
778
779Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
780integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
781(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
782before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
783from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
784
785This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
786invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
787example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
788watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
789
790If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
791you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
792
793You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
794pending.
795
796The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
797always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
798
799Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
800fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
801or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
802
803=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
804
805Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
806C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
807can deal with that fact.
808
809=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
810
811If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
812and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
813watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
748 814
749=back 815=back
750 816
751 817
752=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 818=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
858it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 924it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
859C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 925C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
860 926
861If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 927If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
862play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 928play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
863wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 929whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
864such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 930such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
865its own, so its quite safe to use). 931its own, so its quite safe to use).
932
933=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
934
935Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
936descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
937such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
938descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
939this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
940registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
941fact, a different file descriptor.
942
943To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
944the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
945will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
946it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
947you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
948descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
949
950This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
951the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
952optimisations to libev.
953
954=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
955
956Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
957but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
958have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
959file descriptor might actually receive events.
960
961There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
962for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
963C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
964
965=head3 The special problem of fork
966
967Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
968useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
969it in the child.
970
971To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
972C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
973enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
974C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
975
976
977=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
866 978
867=over 4 979=over 4
868 980
869=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 981=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
870 982
923 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1035 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
924 1036
925The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1037The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
926but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1038but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
927order of execution is undefined. 1039order of execution is undefined.
1040
1041=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
928 1042
929=over 4 1043=over 4
930 1044
931=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1045=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
932 1046
1028but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1142but 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 1143to 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 () 1144periodic 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 1145+ 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 1146take 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 1147roughly 10 seconds later).
1034again).
1035 1148
1036They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1149They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1037triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1150triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1151rules.
1038 1152
1039As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1153As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1040time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1154time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1041during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1155during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1042 1156
1157=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1158
1043=over 4 1159=over 4
1044 1160
1045=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1161=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1046 1162
1047=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1163=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1049Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1165Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1050operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1166operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1051 1167
1052=over 4 1168=over 4
1053 1169
1054=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1170=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1055 1171
1056In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1172In 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, 1173C<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 1174that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1059system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1175system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1060 1176
1061=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1177=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1062 1178
1063In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1179In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1064C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1180C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1065of any time jumps. 1181and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1066 1182
1067This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1183This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1068time: 1184time:
1069 1185
1070 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1186 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1076 1192
1077Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1193Another 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 1194C<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. 1195time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1080 1196
1197For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1198C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1199this value.
1200
1081=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1201=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1082 1202
1083In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1203In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1084ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1204ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1085reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1205reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1086current time as second argument. 1206current time as second argument.
1087 1207
1088NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1208NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1089ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1209ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1090return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1210return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1091starting a prepare watcher). 1211starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1092 1212
1093Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1213Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1094ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1214ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1095 1215
1096 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1216 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1119Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1239Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1120when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1240when 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 1241a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1122program when the crontabs have changed). 1242program when the crontabs have changed).
1123 1243
1244=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1245
1246When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1247absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1248
1249Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1250timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1251
1124=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1252=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1125 1253
1126The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1254The 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 1255take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1128called. 1256called.
1130=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1258=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1131 1259
1132The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1260The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1133switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1261switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1134the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1262the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1263
1264=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1265
1266When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1267trigger next.
1135 1268
1136=back 1269=back
1137 1270
1138Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1271Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1139system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1272system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1181with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1314with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1182as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1315as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1183watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1316watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1184SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1317SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1185 1318
1319=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1320
1186=over 4 1321=over 4
1187 1322
1188=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1323=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1189 1324
1190=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1325=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1201 1336
1202=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1337=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1203 1338
1204Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1339Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1205some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1340some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1341
1342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1206 1343
1207=over 4 1344=over 4
1208 1345
1209=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1346=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1210 1347
1278reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1415reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1279semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1416semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1280to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1417to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1281usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1418usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1282polling. 1419polling.
1420
1421=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283 1422
1284=over 4 1423=over 4
1285 1424
1286=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1425=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1287 1426
1351 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1490 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1352 1491
1353 1492
1354=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1493=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1355 1494
1356Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1495Idle 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 1496priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1358as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1497count).
1359imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1498
1360watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1499That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1500(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1501triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1502are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1361until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1503iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1362busy. 1504and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1363 1505
1364The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1506The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1365active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1507active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1366 1508
1367Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1509Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1368effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1510effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1369"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1511"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1370event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1512event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1513
1514=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1371 1515
1372=over 4 1516=over 4
1373 1517
1374=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1518=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1375 1519
1433with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1577with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1434of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1578of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1435loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1579loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1436low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1580low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1437 1581
1582It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1583priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1584after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1585too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1586supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1587their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1588loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1589C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1590others).
1591
1592=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1593
1438=over 4 1594=over 4
1439 1595
1440=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1596=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1441 1597
1442=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1598=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1445parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1601parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1446macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1602macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1447 1603
1448=back 1604=back
1449 1605
1450Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1606There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1451and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1607into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1608(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1609use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1610embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1611into the Glib event loop).
1612
1613Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1452in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1614and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1453pseudo-code only of course: 1615is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1616priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1617the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1454 1618
1455 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1619 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1456 static ev_timer tw; 1620 static ev_timer tw;
1457 1621
1458 static void 1622 static void
1459 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1623 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1460 { 1624 {
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 } 1625 }
1467 1626
1468 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1627 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1469 static void 1628 static void
1470 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1629 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1476 1635
1477 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1636 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1478 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1637 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1479 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1638 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1480 1639
1481 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1640 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1482 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1641 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1483 { 1642 {
1484 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1643 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1485 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1644 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1486 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1645 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1487 1646
1488 fds [i].revents = 0; 1647 fds [i].revents = 0;
1489 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1490 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1648 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1491 } 1649 }
1492 } 1650 }
1493 1651
1494 // stop all watchers after blocking 1652 // stop all watchers after blocking
1496 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1654 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1497 { 1655 {
1498 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1656 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1499 1657
1500 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1658 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1659 {
1660 // set the relevant poll flags
1661 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1662 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1663 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1664 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1665 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1666
1667 // now stop the watcher
1501 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1668 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1669 }
1502 1670
1503 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1671 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1672 }
1673
1674Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1675in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1676
1677Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1678notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1679callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1680
1681 static void
1682 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1683 {
1684 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1685 update_now (EV_A);
1686
1687 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1688 }
1689
1690 static void
1691 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1692 {
1693 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1694 update_now (EV_A);
1695
1696 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1697 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1698 }
1699
1700 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1701
1702Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1703want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1704their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1705loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1706this.
1707
1708 static gint
1709 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1710 {
1711 int got_events = 0;
1712
1713 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1714 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1715
1716 if (timeout >= 0)
1717 // create/start timer
1718
1719 // poll
1720 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1721
1722 // stop timer again
1723 if (timeout >= 0)
1724 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1725
1726 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1727 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1728 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1729
1730 return got_events;
1504 } 1731 }
1505 1732
1506 1733
1507=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1734=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1508 1735
1509This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1736This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1510into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1737into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1511loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1738loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1512fashion and must not be used). 1739fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1513 1740
1514There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1741There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1515prioritise I/O. 1742prioritise I/O.
1516 1743
1517As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1744As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1572 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1799 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1573 } 1800 }
1574 else 1801 else
1575 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1802 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1576 1803
1804=head2 Portability notes
1805
1806Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1807tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1808receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1809loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1810will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1811
1812While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1813C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1814work.
1815
1816When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1817usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1818your main event loop.
1819
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821
1577=over 4 1822=over 4
1578 1823
1579=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1824=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1580 1825
1581=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1826=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1590 1835
1591Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1836Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1592similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1837similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1593apropriate way for embedded loops. 1838apropriate way for embedded loops.
1594 1839
1595=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1840=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1596 1841
1597The embedded event loop. 1842The embedded event loop.
1598 1843
1599=back 1844=back
1600 1845
1607event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1852event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1608and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1853and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1609C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1854C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1610handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1855handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1611 1856
1857=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1858
1612=over 4 1859=over 4
1613 1860
1614=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1861=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1615 1862
1616Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1863Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1712 1959
1713To use it, 1960To use it,
1714 1961
1715 #include <ev++.h> 1962 #include <ev++.h>
1716 1963
1717(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1964This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1718and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1965of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1719namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1966put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1967options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1720 1968
1721It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1969Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1722C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1970classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1971that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1972you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1973
1974Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1975used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1976need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1977types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1978it).
1723 1979
1724Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1980Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1725 1981
1726=over 4 1982=over 4
1727 1983
1743 1999
1744All of those classes have these methods: 2000All of those classes have these methods:
1745 2001
1746=over 4 2002=over 4
1747 2003
1748=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2004=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1749 2005
1750=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2006=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1751 2007
1752=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2008=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1753 2009
1754The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2010The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1755the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2011with. 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 2012
1757before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2013The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1758automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2014C<set> method before starting it.
2015
2016It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2017method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2018
2019(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2020not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1759 2021
1760The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2022The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2023
2024=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2025
2026This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2027signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2028first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2029parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2030
2031This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2032the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2033callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2034your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2035thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2036
2037Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2038
2039 struct myclass
2040 {
2041 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2042 }
2043
2044 myclass obj;
2045 ev::io iow;
2046 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2047
2048=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2049
2050Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2051callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2052C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2053
2054The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2055
2056See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2057
2058Example:
2059
2060 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2061 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1761 2062
1762=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2063=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1763 2064
1764Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2065Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1765do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2066do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1766 2067
1767=item w->set ([args]) 2068=item w->set ([args])
1768 2069
1769Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2070Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1770called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2071called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1771automatically stopped and restarted. 2072automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2073method.
1772 2074
1773=item w->start () 2075=item w->start ()
1774 2076
1775Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2077Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1776constructor already takes the loop. 2078constructor already stores the event loop.
1777 2079
1778=item w->stop () 2080=item w->stop ()
1779 2081
1780Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2082Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1781 2083
1782=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2084=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1783 2085
1784For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2086For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1785C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2087C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1786 2088
1787=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2089=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1788 2090
1789Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2091Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1790 2092
1791=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2093=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1792 2094
1793Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2095Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1794 2096
1795=back 2097=back
1796 2098
1806 2108
1807 myclass (); 2109 myclass ();
1808 } 2110 }
1809 2111
1810 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2112 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1811 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1812 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1813 { 2113 {
2114 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2115 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2116
1814 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2117 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1815 } 2118 }
1816 2119
1817 2120
1818=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2121=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1819 2122
1820Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2123Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1821C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2124of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1822callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2125functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1823 2126
1824To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2127To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1825following macros are defined: 2128following macros are defined:
1826 2129
1827=over 4 2130=over 4
1860loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2163loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1861 2164
1862=back 2165=back
1863 2166
1864Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2167Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1865macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2168macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1866or not. 2169or not.
1867 2170
1868 static void 2171 static void
1869 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2172 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1870 { 2173 {
1881Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2184Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1882applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2185applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1883Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2186Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1884and rxvt-unicode. 2187and rxvt-unicode.
1885 2188
1886The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2189The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1887source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2190source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1888you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2191you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1889libev somewhere in your source tree). 2192libev somewhere in your source tree).
1890 2193
1891=head2 FILESETS 2194=head2 FILESETS
1981 2284
1982If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2285If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1983monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2286monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1984of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2287of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1985usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2288usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1986the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2289the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1987to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2290to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1988function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2291function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1989 2292
1990=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2293=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1991 2294
1992If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2295If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1993realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2296realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1994runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2297runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1995be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2298be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1996(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2299(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1997in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2300note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1998 2301
1999=item EV_USE_SELECT 2302=item EV_USE_SELECT
2000 2303
2001If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2304If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2002C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2305C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2095will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2398will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2096additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2399additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2097for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2400for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2098argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2401argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2099 2402
2403=item EV_MINPRI
2404
2405=item EV_MAXPRI
2406
2407The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2408C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2409provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2410to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2411
2412When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2413all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2414and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2415fine.
2416
2417If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2418C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2419
2100=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2420=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2101 2421
2102If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2422If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2423defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2424code.
2425
2426=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2427
2428If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2103defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2429defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2104code. 2430code.
2105 2431
2106=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2432=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2107 2433
2158 2484
2159=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2485=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2160 2486
2161Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2487Can 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 2488and 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 2489definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2164their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2490their 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 2491avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2166method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2492method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2493
2494=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2495
2496If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2497exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2498all public symbols, one per line:
2499
2500 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2501 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2502
2503This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2504multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2505itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2506
2507A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2508include before including F<ev.h>:
2509
2510 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2511
2512This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2513
2514 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2515 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2516 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2517 ...
2167 2518
2168=head2 EXAMPLES 2519=head2 EXAMPLES
2169 2520
2170For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2521For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2171verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2522verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2200 2551
2201In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2552In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2202libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2553libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2203documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2554documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2204 2555
2556All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2557extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2558happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2559mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2560it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2561
2205=over 4 2562=over 4
2206 2563
2207=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2564=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2208 2565
2566This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2567there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2568have to skip those 100 watchers.
2569
2209=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2570=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2210 2571
2572That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2573as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2574
2211=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2575=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2212 2576
2577These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2213=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2578=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2214 2579
2215=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2580=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2216 2581
2582These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2583correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2584have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2585
2217=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2586=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2218 2587
2219=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2588=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2220 2589
2590A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2591libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2592
2221=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2593=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2222 2594
2595=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2596
2597Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2598priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2599linearly search all the priorities.
2600
2223=back 2601=back
2224 2602
2225 2603
2226=head1 AUTHOR 2604=head1 AUTHOR
2227 2605

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