ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.48 by root, Tue Nov 27 08:11:52 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.69 by root, Fri Dec 7 19:15:39 2007 UTC

4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 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 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev 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
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, 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 *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the 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
49called 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
50to 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
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as such.
52 104
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 106
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 108library in any way.
58 109
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 131not a problem.
81 132
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 134version.
84 135
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 139
118 169
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 171
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 173
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
128 180
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 182free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 183or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 184
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 186retries).
135 187
136 static void * 188 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 190 {
139 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
140 { 192 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 193 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 194
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
162 214
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 216
165 static void 217 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 219 {
168 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 271override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 272useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 273around bugs.
222 274
275=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
276
277Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
278a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
279enabling this flag.
280
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag.
291
292This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
293environment variable.
294
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 296
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 298libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 299but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 390
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 392
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 396
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 434
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 435Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 436C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
438
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
443happily wraps around with enough iterations.
444
445This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
446"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
447C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 448
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 450
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 452use.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 505 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 507 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 509
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 511anymore.
430 512
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 513 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 514 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 535visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 536no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 537way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 538libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 539
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 540Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 541running when nothing else is active.
460 542
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 543 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 544 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 545 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 546 evf_unref (loop);
465 547
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 549
468 ev_ref (myloop); 550 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 552
471=back 553=back
472 554
473 555
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 647received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
566many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 648many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
567(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 649(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 650C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 651
652=item C<EV_EMBED>
653
654The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
655
656=item C<EV_FORK>
657
658The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
659C<ev_fork>).
660
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 661=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 662
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 663An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 664happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
574ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 665ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
648events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 739events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
649is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 740is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
650C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 741C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 742libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
652 743
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 744=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 745
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 746Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 747
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 748=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 749
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 750Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 751(modulo threads).
752
753=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
754
755=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
756
757Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
758integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
759(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
760before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
761from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
762
763This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
764invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
765example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
766watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
767
768If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
769you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
770
771The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
772always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
773
774Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
775fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
776or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
661 777
662=back 778=back
663 779
664 780
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 781=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 802 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 803 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 804 ...
689 } 805 }
690 806
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 807More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 808instead have been omitted.
809
810Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
811watchers:
812
813 struct my_biggy
814 {
815 int some_data;
816 ev_timer t1;
817 ev_timer t2;
818 }
819
820In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
821you need to use C<offsetof>:
822
823 #include <stddef.h>
824
825 static void
826 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
827 {
828 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
829 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
830 }
831
832 static void
833 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
834 {
835 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
836 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
837 }
693 838
694 839
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 840=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 841
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 842This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
742it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 887it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
743C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 888C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 889
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 890If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
746play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 891play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
747wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 892whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
748such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 893such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 894its own, so its quite safe to use).
750 895
751=over 4 896=over 4
752 897
766 911
767The events being watched. 912The events being watched.
768 913
769=back 914=back
770 915
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 916Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 917readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 918attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 919
775 static void 920 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 921 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 922 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 923 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 975=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 976
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 977This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 978repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 979
980If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
981
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 982If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 983
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 984If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 985C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 986
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 987This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 988example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
842idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 989timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
843say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 990seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
844this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 991configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
845C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 992C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
846you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 993you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
847socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 994socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 995automatically restart it if need be.
849 996
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 997That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 998altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 999
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1000 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1001 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1002 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1003 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1004 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1005 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1006 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1007 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1008
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1009This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1010you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1011
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1012=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1013
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1014The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
868or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1015or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1016which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1017
871=back 1018=back
872 1019
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1020Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1021
875 static void 1022 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1023 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1024 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1025 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1027
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1028 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1029 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1030 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1031
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1032Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1033inactivity.
887 1034
888 static void 1035 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1037 {
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1162switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1163the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1164
1018=back 1165=back
1019 1166
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1167Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1168system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1169potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1170
1024 static void 1171 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1172 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1176
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1177 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1178 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1179 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1180
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1181Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1182
1036 #include <math.h> 1183 #include <math.h>
1037 1184
1038 static ev_tstamp 1185 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1186 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1188 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1189 }
1043 1190
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1191 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1192
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1193Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1194
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1195 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1196 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1197 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1198 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1259The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1260C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1261
1115=back 1262=back
1116 1263
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1264Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1265
1119 static void 1266 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1267 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1268 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1269 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1284not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1138not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1285not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1139otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1286otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1287the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1288
1289The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1290relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1291
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1292Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1143calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1293calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1144can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1294can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1295a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1296unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1297five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1298impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1300
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1301This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1302as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1303resource-intensive.
1154 1304
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1305At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1306implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1307reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1308semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1309to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1310usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1311polling.
1157 1312
1158=over 4 1313=over 4
1159 1314
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1315=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1316
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1380 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1381
1227 1382
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1383=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1384
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1385Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1231(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1386priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1387count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1388
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1389That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1390(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1391triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1392are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1393iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1394and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1395
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1396The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1397active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1398
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1399Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1251kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1409kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1410believe me.
1253 1411
1254=back 1412=back
1255 1413
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1414Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1415callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1416
1259 static void 1417 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1418 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1419 {
1262 free (w); 1420 free (w);
1341 1499
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1500 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1501 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1502 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1503 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1504 int timeout = 3600000;
1505 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1506 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1507 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1508
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1509 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1510 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1470The embedded event loop. 1629The embedded event loop.
1471 1630
1472=back 1631=back
1473 1632
1474 1633
1634=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1635
1636Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1637whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1638C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1639event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1640and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1641C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1642handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1643
1644=over 4
1645
1646=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1647
1648Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1649kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1650believe me.
1651
1652=back
1653
1654
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1655=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1476 1656
1477There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 1657There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1478 1658
1479=over 4 1659=over 4
1638 1818
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1819=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1640 1820
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1821Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 1822
1823=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1824
1825Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1826
1643=back 1827=back
1644 1828
1645=back 1829=back
1646 1830
1647Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1831Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1660 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 1844 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1661 { 1845 {
1662 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1846 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1663 } 1847 }
1664 1848
1849
1850=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1851
1852Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1853C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1854callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1855
1856To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1857following macros are defined:
1858
1859=over 4
1860
1861=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1862
1863This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1864loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1865C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1866
1867 ev_unref (EV_A);
1868 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1869 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1870
1871It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1872which is often provided by the following macro.
1873
1874=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1875
1876This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1877loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1878C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1879
1880 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1881 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1882
1883 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1884 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1885
1886It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1887suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1888
1889=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1890
1891Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1892loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1893
1894=back
1895
1896Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1897macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1898or not.
1899
1900 static void
1901 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1902 {
1903 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1904 }
1905
1906 ev_check check;
1907 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1908 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1909 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1910
1665=head1 EMBEDDING 1911=head1 EMBEDDING
1666 1912
1667Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1913Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1668applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1914applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1669Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 1915Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1708 ev_vars.h 1954 ev_vars.h
1709 ev_wrap.h 1955 ev_wrap.h
1710 1956
1711 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 1957 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1712 1958
1713 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 1959 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1714 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1960 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1715 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1961 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1716 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1962 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1717 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1963 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1718 1964
1843 2089
1844=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2090=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1845 2091
1846reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2092reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1847 2093
2094=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2095
2096If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2097interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2098be detected at runtime.
2099
1848=item EV_H 2100=item EV_H
1849 2101
1850The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2102The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1851undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2103undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1852can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2104can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1875will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2127will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1876additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2128additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1877for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2129for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1878argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2130argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1879 2131
2132=item EV_MINPRI
2133
2134=item EV_MAXPRI
2135
2136The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2137C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2138provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2139to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2140
2141When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2142all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2143and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2144fine.
2145
2146If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2147C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2148
1880=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2149=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1881 2150
1882If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2151If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1883defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2152defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1884code. 2153code.
1885 2154
2155=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2156
2157If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2158defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2159code.
2160
1886=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2161=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1887 2162
1888If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2163If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1889defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2164defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1890 2165
1891=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2166=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1892 2167
1893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2168If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2169defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2170
2171=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2172
2173If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1894defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2174defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1895 2175
1896=item EV_MINIMAL 2176=item EV_MINIMAL
1897 2177
1898If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2178If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1899speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2179speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1900some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2180some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2181
2182=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2183
2184C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2185pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2186than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2187increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2188
2189=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2190
2191C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2192inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2193usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2194watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2195two).
1901 2196
1902=item EV_COMMON 2197=item EV_COMMON
1903 2198
1904By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2199By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1905this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2200this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1934interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2229interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1935will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2230will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1936file. 2231file.
1937 2232
1938The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2233The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1939that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2234that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1940 2235
2236 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1941 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2237 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1942 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2238 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1943 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2239 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2240 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2241 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1944 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2242 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2243 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2244 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1945 2245
1946 #include "ev++.h" 2246 #include "ev++.h"
1947 2247
1948And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2248And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1949 2249
1959 2259
1960=over 4 2260=over 4
1961 2261
1962=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2262=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1963 2263
2264This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2265there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2266have to skip those 100 watchers.
2267
1964=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2268=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1965 2269
2270That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2271as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2272
1966=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2273=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1967 2274
2275These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. If
2276the array needs to be extended libev needs to realloc and move the whole
2277array, but this happen asymptotically less and less with more watchers,
2278thus amortised O(1).
2279
1968=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2280=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1969 2281
1970=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2282=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2283
2284These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2285correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2286have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1971 2287
1972=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2288=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1973 2289
1974=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2290=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1975 2291
2292A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2293libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2294
1976=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2295=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1977 2296
2297=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2298
2299Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2300priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2301linearly search all the priorities.
2302
1978=back 2303=back
1979 2304
1980 2305
1981=head1 AUTHOR 2306=head1 AUTHOR
1982 2307

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines