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53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 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 54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56 56
57Libev 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
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 60
61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
63communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
104 106
105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
106 108
107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
108library in any way. 110library in any way.
113 115
114Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
115C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
116you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
117 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
118=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
119 127
120=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
121 129
122You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
126version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
127 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
131not a problem. 142not a problem.
132 143
133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
134version. 145version.
308lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
309 320
310=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
311 322
312For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
313but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
314O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
315either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
316 330
317While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
318result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
319(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
320best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
321well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
322 336
323Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
324need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
325(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
326 340
327=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
328 342
329Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
330was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
331anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
346useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
332completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 347is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
333unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 348unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
334C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 349C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
350system like NetBSD.
335 351
336It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 352It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
337kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 353kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
338course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 354of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
339extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 355never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
340incident, so its best to avoid that. 356changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
357silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
341 358
342=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 359=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
343 360
344This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 361This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
345 362
346=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 363=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
347 364
348This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 365This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
349it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 366it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
350 367
351Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 368Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
352notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 369notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
353blocking when no data (or space) is available. 370blocking when no data (or space) is available.
354 371
355=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 372=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
356 373
399Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 416Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
400etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 417etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
401sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 418sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
402responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 419responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
403calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 420calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
404the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 421the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
405for example). 422for example).
423
424Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
425this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
426would need to be stopped manually.
427
428In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
429rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
430pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
431C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
406 432
407=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 433=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
408 434
409Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 435Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
410earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 436earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
455 481
456Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 482Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
457received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 483received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
458change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 484change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
459time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 485time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
460event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 486event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
461 487
462=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 488=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
463 489
464Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 490Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
465after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 491after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 512libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
487usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 513usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
488 514
489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 515Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
490 516
517 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
491 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 518 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
492 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 519 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
493 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 520 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
494 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 521 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
495 - Update the "event loop time". 522 - Update the "event loop time".
496 - Calculate for how long to block. 523 - Calculate for how long to block.
497 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 524 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 575Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
549 576
550 ev_ref (loop); 577 ev_ref (loop);
551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 578 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
552 579
580=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
581
582=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
583
584These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
585for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
586invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
587
588Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
589allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
590increase efficiency of loop iterations.
591
592The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
593handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
594the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
595events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
596overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
597
598By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
599time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
600at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
601C<ev_timer>) will be not affected.
602
603Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
604to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
605latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
606will not be affected.
607
608Many programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect interval to
609a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for interactive servers
610(of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It usually doesn't make
611much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, as this approsaches
612the timing granularity of most systems.
613
553=back 614=back
554 615
555 616
556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 617=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
557 618
907play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 968play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
908whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 969whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
909such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 970such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
910its own, so its quite safe to use). 971its own, so its quite safe to use).
911 972
973=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
974
975Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
976descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
977such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
978descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
979this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
980registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
981fact, a different file descriptor.
982
983To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
984the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
985will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
986it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
987you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
988descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
989
990This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
991the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
992optimisations to libev.
993
994=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
995
996Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
997but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
998have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
999file descriptor might actually receive events.
1000
1001There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1002for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1003C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1004
1005=head3 The special problem of fork
1006
1007Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1008useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1009it in the child.
1010
1011To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1012C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1013enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1014C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1015
1016
1017=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1018
912=over 4 1019=over 4
913 1020
914=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1021=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
915 1022
916=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1023=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
968 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1075 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
969 1076
970The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1077The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
971but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1078but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
972order of execution is undefined. 1079order of execution is undefined.
1080
1081=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
973 1082
974=over 4 1083=over 4
975 1084
976=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1085=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
977 1086
1073but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1182but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1074to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1183to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1075periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1184periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1076+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1185+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1077take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1186take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1078roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1187roughly 10 seconds later).
1079again).
1080 1188
1081They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1189They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1082triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1190triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1191rules.
1083 1192
1084As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1193As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1085time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1194time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1086during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1195during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1087 1196
1197=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1198
1088=over 4 1199=over 4
1089 1200
1090=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1201=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1091 1202
1092=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1203=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1094Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1205Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1095operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1206operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1096 1207
1097=over 4 1208=over 4
1098 1209
1099=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1210=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1100 1211
1101In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1212In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1102C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1213C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1103that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1214that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1104system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1215system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1105 1216
1106=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1217=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1107 1218
1108In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1219In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1109C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1220C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1110of any time jumps. 1221and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1111 1222
1112This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1223This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1113time: 1224time:
1114 1225
1115 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1226 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1121 1232
1122Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1233Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1123C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1234C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1124time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1235time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1125 1236
1237For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1238C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1239this value.
1240
1126=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1241=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1127 1242
1128In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1243In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1129ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1244ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1130reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1245reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1131current time as second argument. 1246current time as second argument.
1132 1247
1133NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1248NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1134ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1249ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1135return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1250return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1136starting a prepare watcher). 1251starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1137 1252
1138Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1253Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1139ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1254ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1140 1255
1141 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1256 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1164Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1279Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1165when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1280when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1166a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1281a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1167program when the crontabs have changed). 1282program when the crontabs have changed).
1168 1283
1284=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1285
1286When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1287absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1288
1289Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1290timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1291
1169=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1292=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1170 1293
1171The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1294The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1172take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1295take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1173called. 1296called.
1175=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1298=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1176 1299
1177The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1300The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1178switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1301switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1179the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1302the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1303
1304=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1305
1306When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1307trigger next.
1180 1308
1181=back 1309=back
1182 1310
1183Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1311Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1184system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1312system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1226with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1354with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1227as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1355as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1228watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1356watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1229SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1357SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1230 1358
1359=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1360
1231=over 4 1361=over 4
1232 1362
1233=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1363=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1234 1364
1235=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1246 1376
1247=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1377=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1248 1378
1249Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1379Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1250some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1380some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1381
1382=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1251 1383
1252=over 4 1384=over 4
1253 1385
1254=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1386=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1255 1387
1323reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1455reader). 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 1456semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1325to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1457to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1326usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1458usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1327polling. 1459polling.
1460
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1328 1462
1329=over 4 1463=over 4
1330 1464
1331=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1465=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1332 1466
1415Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1549Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1416effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1550effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1417"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1551"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1418event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1552event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1419 1553
1554=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1555
1420=over 4 1556=over 4
1421 1557
1422=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1558=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1423 1559
1424Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1560Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1481with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1617with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1482of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1618of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1483loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1619loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1484low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1620low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1485 1621
1622It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1623priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1624after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1625too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1626supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1627their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1628loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1629C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1630others).
1631
1632=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1633
1486=over 4 1634=over 4
1487 1635
1488=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1636=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1489 1637
1490=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1638=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1626=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1774=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1627 1775
1628This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1776This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1629into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1777into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1630loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1778loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1631fashion and must not be used). 1779fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1632 1780
1633There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1781There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1634prioritise I/O. 1782prioritise I/O.
1635 1783
1636As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1784As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1691 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1839 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1692 } 1840 }
1693 else 1841 else
1694 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1842 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1695 1843
1844=head2 Portability notes
1845
1846Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1847tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1848receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1849loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1850will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1851
1852While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1853C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1854work.
1855
1856When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1857usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1858your main event loop.
1859
1860=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1861
1696=over 4 1862=over 4
1697 1863
1698=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1864=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1699 1865
1700=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1866=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1709 1875
1710Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1876Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1711similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1877similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1712apropriate way for embedded loops. 1878apropriate way for embedded loops.
1713 1879
1714=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1880=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1715 1881
1716The embedded event loop. 1882The embedded event loop.
1717 1883
1718=back 1884=back
1719 1885
1726event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1892event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1727and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1893and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1728C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1894C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1729handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1895handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1730 1896
1897=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1898
1731=over 4 1899=over 4
1732 1900
1733=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1901=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1734 1902
1735Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1903Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1951 2119
1952=item w->stop () 2120=item w->stop ()
1953 2121
1954Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2122Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1955 2123
1956=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2124=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1957 2125
1958For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2126For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1959C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2127C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1960 2128
1961=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2129=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1962 2130
1963Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2131Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1964 2132
1965=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2133=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1966 2134
1967Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2135Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1968 2136
1969=back 2137=back
1970 2138
1990 } 2158 }
1991 2159
1992 2160
1993=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2161=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1994 2162
1995Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2163Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1996C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2164of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1997callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2165functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1998 2166
1999To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2167To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2000following macros are defined: 2168following macros are defined:
2001 2169
2002=over 4 2170=over 4
2056Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2224Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2057applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2225applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2058Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2226Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2059and rxvt-unicode. 2227and rxvt-unicode.
2060 2228
2061The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2229The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2062source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2230source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2063you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2231you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2064libev somewhere in your source tree). 2232libev somewhere in your source tree).
2065 2233
2066=head2 FILESETS 2234=head2 FILESETS
2156 2324
2157If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2325If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2158monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2326monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2159of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2327of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2160usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2328usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2161the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2329the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2162to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2330to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2163function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2331function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2164 2332
2165=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2333=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2166 2334
2167If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2335If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2168realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2336realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2169runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2337runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2170be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2338be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2171(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2339(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2172in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2340note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2341
2342=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2343
2344If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2345and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2173 2346
2174=item EV_USE_SELECT 2347=item EV_USE_SELECT
2175 2348
2176If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2349If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2177C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2350C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2356 2529
2357=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2530=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2358 2531
2359Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2532Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2360and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2533and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2361definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2534definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2362their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2535their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2363avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2536avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2364method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2537method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2538
2539=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2540
2541If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2542exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2543all public symbols, one per line:
2544
2545 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2546 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2547
2548This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2549multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2550itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2551
2552A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2553include before including F<ev.h>:
2554
2555 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2556
2557This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2558
2559 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2560 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2561 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2562 ...
2365 2563
2366=head2 EXAMPLES 2564=head2 EXAMPLES
2367 2565
2368For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2566For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2369verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2567verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module

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