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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
163C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 167C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
164recommended ones. 168recommended ones.
165 169
166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
167 171
168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
169 173
170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
171identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
172memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
173allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
174action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
175 180
176You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
177free 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,
178or 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.
179 184
265C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
266override 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
267useful 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
268around bugs. 273around bugs.
269 274
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
270=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
271 296
272This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
273libev 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,
274but 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
408=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
409 434
410Like 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
411C<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
412after 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.
413 448
414=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
415 450
416Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
417use. 452use.
701=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 736=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 737
703Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 738Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
704events 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
705is 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
706C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 741C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
707libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 742make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
743it).
708 744
709=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 745=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
710 746
711Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 747Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
712 748
713=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 749=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
714 750
715Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 751Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
716(modulo threads). 752(modulo threads).
753
754=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
755
756=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
757
758Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
759integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
760(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
761before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
762from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
763
764This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
765invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
766example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
767watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
768
769If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
770you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
771
772You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
773pending.
774
775The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
776always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
777
778Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
779fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
780or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
717 781
718=back 782=back
719 783
720 784
721=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 785=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
827it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 891it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
828C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 892C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
829 893
830If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 894If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
831play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 895play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
832wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 896whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
833such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 897such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
834its own, so its quite safe to use). 898its own, so its quite safe to use).
835 899
836=over 4 900=over 4
837 901
915=item ev_timer_again (loop) 979=item ev_timer_again (loop)
916 980
917This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 981This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
918repeating. The exact semantics are: 982repeating. The exact semantics are:
919 983
984If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
985
920If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 986If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
921 987
922If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 988If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
923value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 989C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
924 990
925This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 991This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
926example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 992example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
927idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 993timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
928say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 994seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
929this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 995configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
930C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 996C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
931you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 997you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
932socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 998socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
933need be. 999automatically restart it if need be.
934 1000
935You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1001That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
936and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1002altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
937 1003
938 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1004 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
939 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1005 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
940 ... 1006 ...
941 timer->again = 17.; 1007 timer->again = 17.;
942 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1008 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
943 ... 1009 ...
944 timer->again = 10.; 1010 timer->again = 10.;
945 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1011 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
946 1012
947This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1013This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
948to modify its timeout value. 1014you want to modify its timeout value.
949 1015
950=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1016=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
951 1017
952The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1018The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
953or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1019or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1221The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1287The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1222not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1288not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1223not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1289not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1224otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1290otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1225the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1291the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1292
1293The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1294relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1226 1295
1227Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1296Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1228calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1297calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1229can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1298can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1230a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1299a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1315 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1384 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1316 1385
1317 1386
1318=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1387=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1319 1388
1320Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1389Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1321(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1390priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1322as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1391count).
1323imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1392
1324watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1393That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1394(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1395triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1396are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1325until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1397iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1326busy. 1398and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1327 1399
1328The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1400The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1329active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1401active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1330 1402
1331Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1403Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1431 1503
1432 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1504 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1433 static void 1505 static void
1434 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1506 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1435 { 1507 {
1436 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1508 int timeout = 3600000;
1509 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1437 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1510 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1438 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1511 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1439 1512
1440 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1513 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1441 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1514 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1675 1748
1676To use it, 1749To use it,
1677 1750
1678 #include <ev++.h> 1751 #include <ev++.h>
1679 1752
1680(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1753This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1681and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1754of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1682namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1755put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1756options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1683 1757
1684It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1758Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1685C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1759classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1760that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1761you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1762
1763Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1764used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1765need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1766types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1767it).
1686 1768
1687Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1769Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1688 1770
1689=over 4 1771=over 4
1690 1772
1706 1788
1707All of those classes have these methods: 1789All of those classes have these methods:
1708 1790
1709=over 4 1791=over 4
1710 1792
1711=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1793=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1712 1794
1713=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1795=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1714 1796
1715=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1797=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1716 1798
1717The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1799The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1718the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1800with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1719C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1801
1720before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1802The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1721automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1803C<set> method before starting it.
1804
1805It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1806method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1807
1808(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1809not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1722 1810
1723The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1811The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1812
1813=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1814
1815This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1816signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1817first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1818parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1819
1820This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1821the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1822callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1823your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1824thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1825
1826Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1827
1828 struct myclass
1829 {
1830 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1831 }
1832
1833 myclass obj;
1834 ev::io iow;
1835 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1836
1837=item w->set (void (*function)(watcher &w, int), void *data = 0)
1838
1839Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1840callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1841C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1842
1843See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1724 1844
1725=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1845=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1726 1846
1727Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1847Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1728do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1848do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1729 1849
1730=item w->set ([args]) 1850=item w->set ([args])
1731 1851
1732Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1852Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1733called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1853called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1734automatically stopped and restarted. 1854automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1855method.
1735 1856
1736=item w->start () 1857=item w->start ()
1737 1858
1738Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1859Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1739constructor already takes the loop. 1860constructor already stores the event loop.
1740 1861
1741=item w->stop () 1862=item w->stop ()
1742 1863
1743Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1864Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1744 1865
1769 1890
1770 myclass (); 1891 myclass ();
1771 } 1892 }
1772 1893
1773 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1894 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1774 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1775 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1776 { 1895 {
1896 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1897 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1898
1777 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1899 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1778 } 1900 }
1779 1901
1780 1902
1781=head1 MACRO MAGIC 1903=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1782 1904
1783Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 1905Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1784C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 1906C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1785callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 1907callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1786 1908
1787To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 1909To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1788following macros are defined: 1910following macros are defined:
1789 1911
1822Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 1944Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1823loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 1945loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1824 1946
1825=back 1947=back
1826 1948
1827Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 1949Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1828wether multiple loops are supported or not. 1950macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1951or not.
1829 1952
1830 static void 1953 static void
1831 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1954 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 { 1955 {
1833 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 1956 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835 1958
1836 ev_check check; 1959 ev_check check;
1837 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 1960 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1838 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 1961 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1839 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 1962 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1840
1841 1963
1842=head1 EMBEDDING 1964=head1 EMBEDDING
1843 1965
1844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1966Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1967applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1885 ev_vars.h 2007 ev_vars.h
1886 ev_wrap.h 2008 ev_wrap.h
1887 2009
1888 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2010 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1889 2011
1890 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2012 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1891 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2013 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1892 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2014 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2015 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2016 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1895 2017
2058will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2180will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2059additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2181additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2060for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2182for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2061argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2183argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2062 2184
2185=item EV_MINPRI
2186
2187=item EV_MAXPRI
2188
2189The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2190C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2191provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2192to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2193
2194When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2195all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2196and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2197fine.
2198
2199If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2200C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2201
2063=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2202=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2064 2203
2065If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2204If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2205defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2206code.
2207
2208=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2209
2210If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2066defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2211defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2067code. 2212code.
2068 2213
2069=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2214=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2070 2215
2137interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2282interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2138will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2283will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2139file. 2284file.
2140 2285
2141The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2286The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2142that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2287that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2143 2288
2289 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2144 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2290 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2145 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2291 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2146 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2292 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2293 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2294 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2147 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2295 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2296 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2297 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2148 2298
2149 #include "ev++.h" 2299 #include "ev++.h"
2150 2300
2151And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2301And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2152 2302
2158 2308
2159In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2309In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2160libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2310libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2161documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2311documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2162 2312
2313All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2314extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2315happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2316mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2317it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2318
2163=over 4 2319=over 4
2164 2320
2165=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2321=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2166 2322
2323This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2324there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2325have to skip those 100 watchers.
2326
2167=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2327=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2168 2328
2329That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2330as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2331
2169=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2332=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2170 2333
2334These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2171=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2335=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2172 2336
2173=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2337=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2174 2338
2339These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2340correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2341have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2342
2175=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2343=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2176 2344
2177=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2345=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2178 2346
2347A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2348libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2349
2179=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2350=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2180 2351
2352=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2353
2354Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2355priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2356linearly search all the priorities.
2357
2181=back 2358=back
2182 2359
2183 2360
2184=head1 AUTHOR 2361=head1 AUTHOR
2185 2362

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