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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.51 by root, Tue Nov 27 19:23:31 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
76Usually, 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,
77as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
78compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
79not a problem. 131not a problem.
80 132
81Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
82version: 134version.
83 135
84 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
85 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
86 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
87 139
117 169
118See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
119 171
120=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
121 173
122Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
123realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
124and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
125needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
126destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
127 180
128You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
129free 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,
130or 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.
131 184
132Example: 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
133retries: better than mine). 186retries).
134 187
135 static void * 188 static void *
136 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
137 { 190 {
138 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
139 { 192 {
140 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 193 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
141 194
157callback 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
158matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
159requested 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
160(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
161 214
162Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
163 216
164 static void 217 static void
165 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
166 { 219 {
167 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
217C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
218override 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
219useful 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
220around bugs. 273around bugs.
221 274
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
222=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
223 296
224This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This 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, 298libev 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 299but 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 386Similar 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 387always 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 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
316undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
317 390
318Example: 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.
319 392
320 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
321 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
322 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
323 396
360=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
361 434
362Like 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
363C<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
364after 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.
365 448
366=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
367 450
368Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
369use. 452use.
422 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
423 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
424 - 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
425 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
426 509
427Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
428anymore. 511anymore.
429 512
430 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 513 ... 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..) 514 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
432 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
452visible 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
453no 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
454way 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
455libraries. 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>.
456 539
457Example: 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>
458running when nothing else is active. 541running when nothing else is active.
459 542
460 struct dv_signal exitsig; 543 struct ev_signal exitsig;
461 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 544 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
462 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 545 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
463 evf_unref (myloop); 546 evf_unref (loop);
464 547
465Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
466 549
467 ev_ref (myloop); 550 ev_ref (loop);
468 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
469 552
470=back 553=back
471 554
472 555
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
656events 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
657is 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
658C<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
659libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 742libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
660 743
661=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 744=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
662 745
663Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 746Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
664 747
665=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 748=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
666 749
667Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 750Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
668(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.
669 777
670=back 778=back
671 779
672 780
673=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 781=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
694 { 802 {
695 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 803 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
696 ... 804 ...
697 } 805 }
698 806
699More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 807More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
700have 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 }
701 838
702 839
703=head1 WATCHER TYPES 840=head1 WATCHER TYPES
704 841
705This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 842This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
750it 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
751C<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.
752 889
753If 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
754play 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
755wether 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
756such 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
757its own, so its quite safe to use). 894its own, so its quite safe to use).
758 895
759=over 4 896=over 4
760 897
774 911
775The events being watched. 912The events being watched.
776 913
777=back 914=back
778 915
779Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 916Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
780readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 917readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
781attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 918attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
782 919
783 static void 920 static void
784 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)
785 { 922 {
786 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 923 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
838=item ev_timer_again (loop) 975=item ev_timer_again (loop)
839 976
840This 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
841repeating. The exact semantics are: 978repeating. The exact semantics are:
842 979
980If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
981
843If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 982If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
844 983
845If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 984If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
846value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 985C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
847 986
848This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 987This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
849example: 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
850idle 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
851say, 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
852this 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
853C<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
854you 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
855socket, 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
856need be. 995automatically restart it if need be.
857 996
858You 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>
859and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 998altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
860 999
861 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1000 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
862 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1001 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
863 ... 1002 ...
864 timer->again = 17.; 1003 timer->again = 17.;
865 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1004 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
866 ... 1005 ...
867 timer->again = 10.; 1006 timer->again = 10.;
868 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1007 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
869 1008
870This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1009This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
871to modify its timeout value. 1010you want to modify its timeout value.
872 1011
873=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1012=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
874 1013
875The 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
876or 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),
877which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1016which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
878 1017
879=back 1018=back
880 1019
881Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1020Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
882 1021
883 static void 1022 static void
884 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)
885 { 1024 {
886 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1025 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
888 1027
889 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1028 struct ev_timer mytimer;
890 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1029 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
891 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1030 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
892 1031
893Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1032Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
894inactivity. 1033inactivity.
895 1034
896 static void 1035 static void
897 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)
898 { 1037 {
1023switched 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
1024the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1163the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1025 1164
1026=back 1165=back
1027 1166
1028Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1167Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1029system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1168system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1030potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1169potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1031 1170
1032 static void 1171 static void
1033 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)
1037 1176
1038 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1177 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1039 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1178 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1040 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1179 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1041 1180
1042Example: 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:
1043 1182
1044 #include <math.h> 1183 #include <math.h>
1045 1184
1046 static ev_tstamp 1185 static ev_tstamp
1047 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1186 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1188 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1050 } 1189 }
1051 1190
1052 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);
1053 1192
1054Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1193Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1055 1194
1056 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1195 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1057 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1196 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1058 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1197 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1059 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1198 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1120The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1259The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1121C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1260C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1122 1261
1123=back 1262=back
1124 1263
1125Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1264Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1126 1265
1127 static void 1266 static void
1128 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)
1129 { 1268 {
1130 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1269 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1145not 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
1146not 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
1147otherwise 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
1148the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1287the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1149 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
1150Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1292Since 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 1293calls 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 1294can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1153a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1295a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1154unspecified 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
1155five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1297five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1156impose 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
1158 1300
1159This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1301This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1160as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1302as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1161resource-intensive. 1303resource-intensive.
1162 1304
1163At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1305At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1164if 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.
1165 1312
1166=over 4 1313=over 4
1167 1314
1168=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)
1169 1316
1233 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1380 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1234 1381
1235 1382
1236=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...
1237 1384
1238Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1385Idle 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 1386priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1240as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1387count).
1241imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1388
1242watchers 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
1243until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1393iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1244busy. 1394and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1245 1395
1246The 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
1247active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1397active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1248 1398
1249Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1399Apart 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, 1409kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1260believe me. 1410believe me.
1261 1411
1262=back 1412=back
1263 1413
1264Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1414Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1265callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1415callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1266 1416
1267 static void 1417 static void
1268 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)
1269 { 1419 {
1270 free (w); 1420 free (w);
1349 1499
1350 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1500 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1351 static void 1501 static void
1352 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1502 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1353 { 1503 {
1354 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1504 int timeout = 3600000;
1505 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1355 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1506 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1356 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1507 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1357 1508
1358 /* 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 */
1359 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1510 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1697 1848
1698 1849
1699=head1 MACRO MAGIC 1850=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1700 1851
1701Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 1852Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1702C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 1853C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1703callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 1854callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1704 1855
1705To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 1856To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1706following macros are defined: 1857following macros are defined:
1707 1858
1740Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 1891Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1741loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 1892loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1742 1893
1743=back 1894=back
1744 1895
1745Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 1896Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1746wether multiple loops are supported or not. 1897macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1898or not.
1747 1899
1748 static void 1900 static void
1749 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1901 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1750 { 1902 {
1751 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 1903 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1754 ev_check check; 1906 ev_check check;
1755 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 1907 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1756 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 1908 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1757 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 1909 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1758 1910
1759
1760=head1 EMBEDDING 1911=head1 EMBEDDING
1761 1912
1762Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1913Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1763applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1914applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1764Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 1915Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1803 ev_vars.h 1954 ev_vars.h
1804 ev_wrap.h 1955 ev_wrap.h
1805 1956
1806 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 1957 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1807 1958
1808 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)
1809 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)
1810 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)
1811 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)
1812 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)
1813 1964
1938 2089
1939=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2090=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1940 2091
1941reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2092reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1942 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
1943=item EV_H 2100=item EV_H
1944 2101
1945The 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
1946undefined 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
1947can 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.
1970will 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
1971additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2128additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1972for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2129for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1973argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2130argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1974 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
1975=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2149=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1976 2150
1977If 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
1978defined 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
1979code. 2153code.
1980 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
1981=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2161=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1982 2162
1983If 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
1984defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2164defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1985 2165
2002=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2182=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2003 2183
2004C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2184C<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 2185pid. 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 2186than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2007increase this value. 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).
2008 2196
2009=item EV_COMMON 2197=item EV_COMMON
2010 2198
2011By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2199By 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 2200this 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 2229interface) 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 2230will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2043file. 2231file.
2044 2232
2045The 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
2046that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2234that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2047 2235
2236 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2048 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2237 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2049 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2238 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2050 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2239 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2240 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2241 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2051 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2242 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2243 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2244 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2052 2245
2053 #include "ev++.h" 2246 #include "ev++.h"
2054 2247
2055And 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:
2056 2249
2066 2259
2067=over 4 2260=over 4
2068 2261
2069=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)
2070 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
2071=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)
2072 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
2073=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2273=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2074 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
2075=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2280=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2076 2281
2077=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).
2078 2287
2079=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2288=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2080 2289
2081=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)
2082 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
2083=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2295=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2084 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
2085=back 2303=back
2086 2304
2087 2305
2088=head1 AUTHOR 2306=head1 AUTHOR
2089 2307

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines