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Revision 1.51 by root, Tue Nov 27 19:23:31 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.67 by root, Fri Dec 7 16:44:12 2007 UTC

3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 72with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
73(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
74watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
75C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
76file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
77(C<ev_fork>).
78
79It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 81for example).
33 82
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 83=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 84
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 91
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 93
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
76Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
77as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
78compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
79not a problem. 127not a problem.
80 128
81Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
82version: 130version.
83 131
84 assert (("libev version mismatch", 132 assert (("libev version mismatch",
85 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
86 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
87 135
117 165
118See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
119 167
120=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
121 169
122Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
123realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
124and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
125needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
126destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
175function.
127 176
128You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
129free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
130or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
131 180
132Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
133retries: better than mine). 182retries).
134 183
135 static void * 184 static void *
136 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
137 { 186 {
138 for (;;) 187 for (;;)
139 { 188 {
140 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 189 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
141 190
157callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
158matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
159requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
160(such as abort). 209(such as abort).
161 210
162Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
163 212
164 static void 213 static void
165 fatal_error (const char *msg) 214 fatal_error (const char *msg)
166 { 215 {
167 perror (msg); 216 perror (msg);
217C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
218override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
219useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
220around bugs. 269around bugs.
221 270
271=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
272
273Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag.
276
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
278and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
281without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
285forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
286flag.
287
288This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
289environment variable.
290
222=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 291=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
223 292
224This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 293This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
225libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 294libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
226but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 295but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
313Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 382Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
314always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 383always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
315handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 384handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
316undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 385undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
317 386
318Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 387Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
319 388
320 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 389 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
321 if (!epoller) 390 if (!epoller)
322 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 391 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
323 392
360=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 429=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
361 430
362Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
363C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 432C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
364after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434
435=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
436
437Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
438the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
439happily wraps around with enough iterations.
440
441This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
442"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
443C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
365 444
366=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 445=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
367 446
368Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 447Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
369use. 448use.
422 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 501 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
423 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 502 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
424 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 503 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
425 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 504 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
426 505
427Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 506Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
428anymore. 507anymore.
429 508
430 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 509 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
431 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 510 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
432 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 511 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
452visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 531visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
453no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 532no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
454way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 533way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
455libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 534libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
456 535
457Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 536Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
458running when nothing else is active. 537running when nothing else is active.
459 538
460 struct dv_signal exitsig; 539 struct ev_signal exitsig;
461 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 540 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
462 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 541 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
463 evf_unref (myloop); 542 evf_unref (loop);
464 543
465Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 544Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
466 545
467 ev_ref (myloop); 546 ev_ref (loop);
468 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 547 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
469 548
470=back 549=back
471 550
472 551
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 552=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
656events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
657is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
658C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
659libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
660 739
661=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
662 741
663Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
664 743
665=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
666 745
667Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 746Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
668(modulo threads). 747(modulo threads).
748
749=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
750
751=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
752
753Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
754integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
755(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
756before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
757from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
758
759This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
760invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
761example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
762watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
763
764If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
765you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
766
767The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
768always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
769
770Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
771fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
772or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
669 773
670=back 774=back
671 775
672 776
673=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 777=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
694 { 798 {
695 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 799 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
696 ... 800 ...
697 } 801 }
698 802
699More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 803More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
700have been omitted.... 804instead have been omitted.
805
806Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
807watchers:
808
809 struct my_biggy
810 {
811 int some_data;
812 ev_timer t1;
813 ev_timer t2;
814 }
815
816In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
817you need to use C<offsetof>:
818
819 #include <stddef.h>
820
821 static void
822 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
823 {
824 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
825 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
826 }
827
828 static void
829 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
830 {
831 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
832 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
833 }
701 834
702 835
703=head1 WATCHER TYPES 836=head1 WATCHER TYPES
704 837
705This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 838This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
774 907
775The events being watched. 908The events being watched.
776 909
777=back 910=back
778 911
779Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 912Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
780readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 913readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
781attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 914attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
782 915
783 static void 916 static void
784 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 917 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
785 { 918 {
786 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 919 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
838=item ev_timer_again (loop) 971=item ev_timer_again (loop)
839 972
840This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 973This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
841repeating. The exact semantics are: 974repeating. The exact semantics are:
842 975
976If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
977
843If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 978If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
844 979
845If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 980If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
846value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 981C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
847 982
848This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 983This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
849example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 984example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
850idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 985timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
851say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 986seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
852this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 987configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
853C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 988C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
854you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 989you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
855socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 990socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
856need be. 991automatically restart it if need be.
857 992
858You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 993That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
859and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 994altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
860 995
861 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 996 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
862 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 997 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
863 ... 998 ...
864 timer->again = 17.; 999 timer->again = 17.;
865 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1000 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
866 ... 1001 ...
867 timer->again = 10.; 1002 timer->again = 10.;
868 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1003 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
869 1004
870This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1005This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
871to modify its timeout value. 1006you want to modify its timeout value.
872 1007
873=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1008=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
874 1009
875The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1010The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
876or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1011or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
877which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1012which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
878 1013
879=back 1014=back
880 1015
881Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1016Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
882 1017
883 static void 1018 static void
884 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1019 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
885 { 1020 {
886 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1021 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
888 1023
889 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1024 struct ev_timer mytimer;
890 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1025 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
891 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1026 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
892 1027
893Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1028Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
894inactivity. 1029inactivity.
895 1030
896 static void 1031 static void
897 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1032 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
898 { 1033 {
1023switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1158switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1024the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1159the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1025 1160
1026=back 1161=back
1027 1162
1028Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1163Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1029system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1164system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1030potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1165potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1031 1166
1032 static void 1167 static void
1033 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1037 1172
1038 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1173 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1039 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1174 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1040 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1175 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1041 1176
1042Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1177Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1043 1178
1044 #include <math.h> 1179 #include <math.h>
1045 1180
1046 static ev_tstamp 1181 static ev_tstamp
1047 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1182 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1184 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1050 } 1185 }
1051 1186
1052 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1187 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1053 1188
1054Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1189Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1055 1190
1056 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1191 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1057 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1192 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1058 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1193 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1059 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1194 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1120The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1255The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1121C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1256C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1122 1257
1123=back 1258=back
1124 1259
1125Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1260Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1126 1261
1127 static void 1262 static void
1128 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1263 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1129 { 1264 {
1130 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1265 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1145not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1280not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1146not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1281not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1147otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1282otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1148the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1283the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1149 1284
1285The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1286relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1287
1150Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1288Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1151calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1289calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1152can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1290can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1153a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1291a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1154unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1292unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1155five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1293five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1156impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1294impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1158 1296
1159This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1297This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1160as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1298as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1161resource-intensive. 1299resource-intensive.
1162 1300
1163At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1301At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1164if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1302implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1303reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1304semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1305to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1306usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1307polling.
1165 1308
1166=over 4 1309=over 4
1167 1310
1168=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1311=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1169 1312
1233 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1376 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1234 1377
1235 1378
1236=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1379=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1237 1380
1238Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1381Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1239(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1382priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1240as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1383count).
1241imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1384
1242watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1385That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1386(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1387triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1388are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1243until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1389iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1244busy. 1390and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1245 1391
1246The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1392The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1247active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1393active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1248 1394
1249Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1395Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1259kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1405kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1260believe me. 1406believe me.
1261 1407
1262=back 1408=back
1263 1409
1264Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1410Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1265callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1411callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1266 1412
1267 static void 1413 static void
1268 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1414 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1269 { 1415 {
1270 free (w); 1416 free (w);
1349 1495
1350 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1496 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1351 static void 1497 static void
1352 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1498 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1353 { 1499 {
1354 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1500 int timeout = 3600000;
1501 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1355 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1502 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1356 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1503 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1357 1504
1358 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1505 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1359 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1506 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1740Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 1887Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1741loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 1888loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1742 1889
1743=back 1890=back
1744 1891
1745Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 1892Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1746wether multiple loops are supported or not. 1893macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported
1894or not.
1747 1895
1748 static void 1896 static void
1749 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1897 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1750 { 1898 {
1751 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 1899 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1753 1901
1754 ev_check check; 1902 ev_check check;
1755 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 1903 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1756 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 1904 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1757 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 1905 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1758
1759 1906
1760=head1 EMBEDDING 1907=head1 EMBEDDING
1761 1908
1762Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1909Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1763applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1910applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1803 ev_vars.h 1950 ev_vars.h
1804 ev_wrap.h 1951 ev_wrap.h
1805 1952
1806 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 1953 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1807 1954
1808 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 1955 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1809 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1956 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1810 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1957 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1811 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1958 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1812 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1959 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1813 1960
1938 2085
1939=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2086=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1940 2087
1941reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2088reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1942 2089
2090=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2091
2092If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2093interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2094be detected at runtime.
2095
1943=item EV_H 2096=item EV_H
1944 2097
1945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2098The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1946undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2099undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1947can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2100can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1976 2129
1977If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2130If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1978defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2131defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1979code. 2132code.
1980 2133
2134=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2135
2136If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2137defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2138code.
2139
1981=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2140=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1982 2141
1983If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2142If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1984defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2143defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1985 2144
2002=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2161=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2003 2162
2004C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2163C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2005pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2164pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2006than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2165than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2007increase this value. 2166increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2167
2168=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2169
2170C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2171inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2172usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2173watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2174two).
2008 2175
2009=item EV_COMMON 2176=item EV_COMMON
2010 2177
2011By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2178By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2012this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2179this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2041interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2208interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2042will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2209will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2043file. 2210file.
2044 2211
2045The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2212The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2046that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2213that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2047 2214
2215 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2048 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2216 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2049 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2217 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2050 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2218 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2219 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2220 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2051 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2221 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2222 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2223 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2052 2224
2053 #include "ev++.h" 2225 #include "ev++.h"
2054 2226
2055And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2227And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2056 2228
2072 2244
2073=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2245=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2074 2246
2075=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2247=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2076 2248
2077=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2249=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2078 2250
2079=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2251=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2080 2252
2081=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2253=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2082 2254

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