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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
63details 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
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 167C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 168recommended ones.
164 169
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 171
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 173
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
174 180
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free 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,
177or 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.
178 184
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override 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
266useful 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
267around bugs. 273around bugs.
268 274
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
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 296
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev 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,
273but 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
407=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
408 434
409Like 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
410C<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
411after 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.
412 448
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 450
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 452use.
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 736=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 737
702Returns 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
703events 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
704is 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
705C<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
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 742make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
743it).
707 744
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 745=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 746
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 747Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 748
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 749=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 750
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 751Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(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.
781
782=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
783
784Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
785C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
786can deal with that fact.
787
788=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
789
790If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
791and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
792watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 793
717=back 794=back
718 795
719 796
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 797=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 903it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
827C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 904C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 905
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 906If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
830play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 907play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
831wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 908whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
832such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 909such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 910its own, so its quite safe to use).
834 911
835=over 4 912=over 4
836 913
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 991=item ev_timer_again (loop)
915 992
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 993This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 994repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 995
996If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
997
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 998If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 999
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1000If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1001C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1002
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1003This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1004example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
926idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1005timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
927say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1006seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
928this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1007configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
929C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1008C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
930you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1009you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
931socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1010socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1011automatically restart it if need be.
933 1012
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1013That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1014altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1015
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1016 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1017 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1018 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1019 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1020 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1021 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1022 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1023 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1024
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1025This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1026you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1027
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1028=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1029
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1030The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
952or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1031or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1300not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1222not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1301not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1223otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1302otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1303the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1225 1304
1305The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1306relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1307
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1308Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1227calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1309calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1228can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1310can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1311a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1230unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1312unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1231five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1313five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1232impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1314impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1234 1316
1235This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1317This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1236as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1318as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1237resource-intensive. 1319resource-intensive.
1238 1320
1239At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1321At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1240if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1322implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1323reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1324semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1325to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1326usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1327polling.
1241 1328
1242=over 4 1329=over 4
1243 1330
1244=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1331=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1245 1332
1309 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1396 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1310 1397
1311 1398
1312=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1399=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1313 1400
1314Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1401Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1315(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1402priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1316as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1403count).
1317imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1404
1318watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1405That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1406(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1407triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1408are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1319until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1409iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1320busy. 1410and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1321 1411
1322The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1412The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1323active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1413active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1324 1414
1325Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1415Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1425 1515
1426 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1516 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1427 static void 1517 static void
1428 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1518 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1429 { 1519 {
1430 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1520 int timeout = 3600000;
1521 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1431 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1522 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1432 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1523 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1433 1524
1434 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1525 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1435 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1526 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1669 1760
1670To use it, 1761To use it,
1671 1762
1672 #include <ev++.h> 1763 #include <ev++.h>
1673 1764
1674(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1765This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1675and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1766of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1676namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1767put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1768options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1677 1769
1678It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1770Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1679C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1771classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1772that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1773you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1774
1775Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1776used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1777need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1778types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1779it).
1680 1780
1681Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1781Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1682 1782
1683=over 4 1783=over 4
1684 1784
1700 1800
1701All of those classes have these methods: 1801All of those classes have these methods:
1702 1802
1703=over 4 1803=over 4
1704 1804
1705=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1805=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1706 1806
1707=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1807=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1708 1808
1709=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1809=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1710 1810
1711The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1811The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1712the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1812with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1713C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1813
1714before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1814The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1715automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1815C<set> method before starting it.
1816
1817It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1818method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1819
1820(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1821not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1716 1822
1717The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1823The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1824
1825=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1826
1827This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1828signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1829first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1830parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1831
1832This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1833the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1834callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1835your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1836thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1837
1838Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1839
1840 struct myclass
1841 {
1842 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1843 }
1844
1845 myclass obj;
1846 ev::io iow;
1847 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1848
1849=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1850
1851Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1852callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1853C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1854
1855The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1856
1857See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1858
1859Example:
1860
1861 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1862 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1718 1863
1719=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1864=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1720 1865
1721Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1866Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1722do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1867do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1723 1868
1724=item w->set ([args]) 1869=item w->set ([args])
1725 1870
1726Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1871Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1727called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1872called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1728automatically stopped and restarted. 1873automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1874method.
1729 1875
1730=item w->start () 1876=item w->start ()
1731 1877
1732Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1878Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1733constructor already takes the loop. 1879constructor already stores the event loop.
1734 1880
1735=item w->stop () 1881=item w->stop ()
1736 1882
1737Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1883Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1738 1884
1763 1909
1764 myclass (); 1910 myclass ();
1765 } 1911 }
1766 1912
1767 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1913 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1768 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1769 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1770 { 1914 {
1915 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1916 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1917
1771 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1918 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1772 } 1919 }
1773 1920
1774 1921
1775=head1 MACRO MAGIC 1922=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1776 1923
1777Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 1924Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1778C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 1925C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1779callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 1926callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1780 1927
1781To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 1928To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1782following macros are defined: 1929following macros are defined:
1783 1930
1816Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 1963Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1817loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 1964loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1818 1965
1819=back 1966=back
1820 1967
1821Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 1968Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1822wether multiple loops are supported or not. 1969macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1970or not.
1823 1971
1824 static void 1972 static void
1825 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1973 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1826 { 1974 {
1827 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 1975 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1829 1977
1830 ev_check check; 1978 ev_check check;
1831 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 1979 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1832 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 1980 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1833 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 1981 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1834
1835 1982
1836=head1 EMBEDDING 1983=head1 EMBEDDING
1837 1984
1838Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1985Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1839applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1986applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1879 ev_vars.h 2026 ev_vars.h
1880 ev_wrap.h 2027 ev_wrap.h
1881 2028
1882 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2029 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1883 2030
1884 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2031 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1885 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2032 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1886 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2033 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1887 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2034 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1888 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2035 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1889 2036
2052will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2199will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2053additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2200additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2054for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2201for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2055argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2202argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2056 2203
2204=item EV_MINPRI
2205
2206=item EV_MAXPRI
2207
2208The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2209C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2210provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2211to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2212
2213When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2214all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2215and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2216fine.
2217
2218If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2219C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2220
2057=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2221=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2058 2222
2059If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2223If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2224defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2225code.
2226
2227=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2228
2229If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2060defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2230defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2061code. 2231code.
2062 2232
2063=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2233=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2064 2234
2131interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2301interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2132will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2302will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2133file. 2303file.
2134 2304
2135The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2305The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2136that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2306that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2137 2307
2308 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2138 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2309 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2139 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2310 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2140 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2311 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2312 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2313 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2141 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2314 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2315 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2316 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2142 2317
2143 #include "ev++.h" 2318 #include "ev++.h"
2144 2319
2145And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2320And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2146 2321
2152 2327
2153In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2328In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2154libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2329libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2155documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2330documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2156 2331
2332All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2333extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2334happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2335mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2336it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2337
2157=over 4 2338=over 4
2158 2339
2159=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2340=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2160 2341
2342This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2343there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2344have to skip those 100 watchers.
2345
2161=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2346=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2162 2347
2348That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2349as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2350
2163=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2351=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2164 2352
2353These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2165=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2354=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2166 2355
2167=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2356=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2168 2357
2358These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2359correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2360have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2361
2169=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2362=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2170 2363
2171=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2364=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2172 2365
2366A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2367libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2368
2173=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2369=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2174 2370
2371=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2372
2373Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2374priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2375linearly search all the priorities.
2376
2175=back 2377=back
2176 2378
2177 2379
2178=head1 AUTHOR 2380=head1 AUTHOR
2179 2381

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