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Revision 1.53 by root, Tue Nov 27 20:15:02 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.77 by root, Sat Dec 8 22:11:14 2007 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 /* this is the only header you need */
8 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
9 8
10 /* what follows is a fully working example program */ 9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
11 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
12 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
13 15
14 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
15 static void 17 static void
45 47
46 return 0; 48 return 0;
47 } 49 }
48 50
49=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>.
50 56
51Libev 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
52file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 60
61details 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
62watcher. 68watcher.
63 69
64=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
65 71
66Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
67kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
68timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
69events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
70loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
71fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
72it to libevent for example). 85for example).
73 86
74=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
75 88
76Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
77will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
78about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
79F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
80support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
81argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
82will not have this argument.
83 95
84=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
85 97
86Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
87(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
116Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 131not a problem.
120 132
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 134version.
123 135
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 139
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 167C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 168recommended ones.
157 169
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 171
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 173
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
167 180
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free 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,
170or 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.
171 184
172Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
173retries: better than mine). 186retries).
174 187
175 static void * 188 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 190 {
178 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
197callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
200(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
201 214
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 216
204 static void 217 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 219 {
207 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override 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
259useful 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
260around bugs. 273around bugs.
261 274
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
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 296
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
265libev 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,
266but 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
353Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
354always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
355handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 390
358Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
359 392
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 396
401 434
402Like 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
403C<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
404after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
405 438
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.
448
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 450
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 452use.
410 453
443libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 488
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 490
491 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 492 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 493 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 494 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 495 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 496 - Update the "event loop time".
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 497 - Calculate for how long to block.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 498 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 506 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 507 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 508 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 509 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
466 510
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 511Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
468anymore. 512anymore.
469 513
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 514 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
471 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 515 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 516 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
492visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 536visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
493no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 537no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
494way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 538way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
495libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 539libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
496 540
497Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 541Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
498running when nothing else is active. 542running when nothing else is active.
499 543
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 544 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 545 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 546 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 547 evf_unref (loop);
504 548
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 549Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 550
507 ev_ref (myloop); 551 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 552 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
509 553
510=back 554=back
511 555
512 556
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 557=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 737=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 738
695Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 739Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
696events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 740events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
697is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 741is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
698C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 742C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 743make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
744it).
700 745
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 746=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 747
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 748Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 749
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 750=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 751
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 752Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(modulo threads). 753(modulo threads).
754
755=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
756
757=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
758
759Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
760integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
761(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
762before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
763from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
764
765This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
766invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
767example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
768watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
769
770If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
771you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
772
773You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
774pending.
775
776The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
777always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
778
779Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
780fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
781or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
782
783=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
784
785Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
786C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
787can deal with that fact.
788
789=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
790
791If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
792and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
793watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
709 794
710=back 795=back
711 796
712 797
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 798=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
734 { 819 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 820 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 821 ...
737 } 822 }
738 823
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 824More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have been omitted.... 825instead have been omitted.
826
827Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
828watchers:
829
830 struct my_biggy
831 {
832 int some_data;
833 ev_timer t1;
834 ev_timer t2;
835 }
836
837In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
838you need to use C<offsetof>:
839
840 #include <stddef.h>
841
842 static void
843 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
844 {
845 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
846 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
847 }
848
849 static void
850 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
851 {
852 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
853 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
854 }
741 855
742 856
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 857=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 858
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 859This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
790it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 904it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
791C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 905C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
792 906
793If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 907If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
794play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 908play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
795wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 909whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
796such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 910such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
797its own, so its quite safe to use). 911its own, so its quite safe to use).
798 912
799=over 4 913=over 4
800 914
814 928
815The events being watched. 929The events being watched.
816 930
817=back 931=back
818 932
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 933Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 934readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 935attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 936
823 static void 937 static void
824 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 938 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
825 { 939 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 940 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 992=item ev_timer_again (loop)
879 993
880This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 994This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 995repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 996
997If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
998
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 999If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1000
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1001If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1002C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1003
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1004This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1005example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
890idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1006timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
891say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1007seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
892this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1008configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
893C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1009C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
894you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1010you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
895socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1011socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
896need be. 1012automatically restart it if need be.
897 1013
898You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1014That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1015altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1016
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1017 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1018 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1019 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1020 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1021 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1022 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1023 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1024 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1025
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1026This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1027you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1028
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1029=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1030
915The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1031The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
916or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1032or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1033which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1034
919=back 1035=back
920 1036
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1037Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1038
923 static void 1039 static void
924 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1040 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
925 { 1041 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1042 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
928 1044
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1045 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1046 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1047 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1048
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1049Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1050inactivity.
935 1051
936 static void 1052 static void
937 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1053 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
938 { 1054 {
1063switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1179switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1180the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1181
1066=back 1182=back
1067 1183
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1184Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1185system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1186potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1071 1187
1072 static void 1188 static void
1073 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1189 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1077 1193
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1194 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1195 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1196 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1197
1082Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1198Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1083 1199
1084 #include <math.h> 1200 #include <math.h>
1085 1201
1086 static ev_tstamp 1202 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1203 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1205 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1206 }
1091 1207
1092 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1208 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1093 1209
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1210Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1211
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1212 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1213 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1214 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1215 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1276The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1277C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1278
1163=back 1279=back
1164 1280
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1281Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1166 1282
1167 static void 1283 static void
1168 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1284 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1169 { 1285 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1286 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1185not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1301not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1186not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1302not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1187otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1303otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1304the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 1305
1306The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1307relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1308
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1309Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1191calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1310calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1192can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1311can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1312a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1313unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1314five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1315impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1198 1317
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1318This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1319as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1320resource-intensive.
1202 1321
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1322At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1323implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1324reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1325semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1326to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1327usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1328polling.
1205 1329
1206=over 4 1330=over 4
1207 1331
1208=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1332=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1209 1333
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1397 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1274 1398
1275 1399
1276=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1400=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1277 1401
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1402Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1279(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1403priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1404count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1405
1282watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1406That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1407(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1408triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1409are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1410iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1411and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1412
1286The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1413The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1414active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1415
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1416Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1299kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1426kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1300believe me. 1427believe me.
1301 1428
1302=back 1429=back
1303 1430
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1431Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1432callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1433
1307 static void 1434 static void
1308 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1435 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1309 { 1436 {
1310 free (w); 1437 free (w);
1355with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1482with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1356of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1483of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1484loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1485low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 1486
1487It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1488priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1489after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1490too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1491supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1492their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1493loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1494C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1495others).
1496
1360=over 4 1497=over 4
1361 1498
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1499=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1500
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1501=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1504parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1505macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1506
1370=back 1507=back
1371 1508
1372Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1509There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1373and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1510into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1511(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1512use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1513embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1514into the Glib event loop).
1515
1516Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1374in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1517and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1375pseudo-code only of course: 1518is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1519priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1520the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1376 1521
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1522 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 1523 static ev_timer tw;
1379 1524
1380 static void 1525 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1526 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1527 {
1383 // set the relevant poll flags
1384 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1385 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1386 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1387 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1388 } 1528 }
1389 1529
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1530 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 1531 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1532 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 1533 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1534 int timeout = 3600000;
1535 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1536 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1537 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 1538
1398 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1539 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1540 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1541 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 1542
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1543 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1544 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 1545 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1546 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1547 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1548 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 1549
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 1550 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1551 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 1552 }
1413 } 1553 }
1414 1554
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 1555 // stop all watchers after blocking
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1557 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 1558 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1559 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 1560
1421 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1561 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1562 {
1563 // set the relevant poll flags
1564 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1565 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1566 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1567 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1568 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1569
1570 // now stop the watcher
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1571 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1572 }
1423 1573
1424 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1574 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1575 }
1576
1577Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1578in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1579
1580Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1581notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1582callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1583
1584 static void
1585 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1586 {
1587 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1588 update_now (EV_A);
1589
1590 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1591 }
1592
1593 static void
1594 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1595 {
1596 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1597 update_now (EV_A);
1598
1599 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1600 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1601 }
1602
1603 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1604
1605Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1606want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1607their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1608loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1609this.
1610
1611 static gint
1612 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1613 {
1614 int got_events = 0;
1615
1616 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1617 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1618
1619 if (timeout >= 0)
1620 // create/start timer
1621
1622 // poll
1623 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1624
1625 // stop timer again
1626 if (timeout >= 0)
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1628
1629 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1630 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1631 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1632
1633 return got_events;
1425 } 1634 }
1426 1635
1427 1636
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1637=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 1638
1633 1842
1634To use it, 1843To use it,
1635 1844
1636 #include <ev++.h> 1845 #include <ev++.h>
1637 1846
1638(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1847This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1639and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1848of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1849put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1850options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1641 1851
1642It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1852Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1643C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1853classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1854that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1855you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1856
1857Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1858used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1859need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1860types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1861it).
1644 1862
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1863Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 1864
1647=over 4 1865=over 4
1648 1866
1664 1882
1665All of those classes have these methods: 1883All of those classes have these methods:
1666 1884
1667=over 4 1885=over 4
1668 1886
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1887=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 1888
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1889=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 1890
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1891=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 1892
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1893The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1894with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1677C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1895
1678before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1896The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1679automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1897C<set> method before starting it.
1898
1899It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1900method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1901
1902(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1903not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1680 1904
1681The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1905The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1906
1907=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1908
1909This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1910signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1911first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1912parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1913
1914This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1915the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1916callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1917your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1918thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1919
1920Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1921
1922 struct myclass
1923 {
1924 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1925 }
1926
1927 myclass obj;
1928 ev::io iow;
1929 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1930
1931=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1932
1933Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1934callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1935C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1936
1937The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1938
1939See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1940
1941Example:
1942
1943 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1944 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1682 1945
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1946=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 1947
1685Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1948Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1949do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 1950
1688=item w->set ([args]) 1951=item w->set ([args])
1689 1952
1690Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1953Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1691called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1954called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 1955automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1956method.
1693 1957
1694=item w->start () 1958=item w->start ()
1695 1959
1696Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1960Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1697constructor already takes the loop. 1961constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 1962
1699=item w->stop () 1963=item w->stop ()
1700 1964
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1965Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 1966
1727 1991
1728 myclass (); 1992 myclass ();
1729 } 1993 }
1730 1994
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1995 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 { 1996 {
1997 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1998 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1999
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2000 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1736 } 2001 }
1737 2002
1738 2003
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2004=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2005
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2006Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2007C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2008callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2009
1745To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2010To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1746following macros are defined: 2011following macros are defined:
1747 2012
1780Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2045Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2046loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2047
1783=back 2048=back
1784 2049
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2050Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2051macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2052or not.
1787 2053
1788 static void 2054 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2055 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2056 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2057 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1793 2059
1794 ev_check check; 2060 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2061 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2062 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2063 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798
1799 2064
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2065=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2066
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2067Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2068applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1843 ev_vars.h 2108 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2109 ev_wrap.h
1845 2110
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2111 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2112
1848 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2113 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1849 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2114 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1850 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2115 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1851 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2116 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1852 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2117 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1853 2118
1978 2243
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2244=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2245
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2246reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1982 2247
2248=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2249
2250If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2251interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2252be detected at runtime.
2253
1983=item EV_H 2254=item EV_H
1984 2255
1985The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2256The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1986undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2257undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1987can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2258can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2010will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2281will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2282additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2283for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2284argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 2285
2286=item EV_MINPRI
2287
2288=item EV_MAXPRI
2289
2290The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2291C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2292provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2293to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2294
2295When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2296all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2297and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2298fine.
2299
2300If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2301C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2302
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2303=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 2304
2017If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2305If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2018defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2306defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2019code. 2307code.
2020 2308
2309=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2310
2311If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2312defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2313code.
2314
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2315=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 2316
2023If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2317If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2318defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 2319
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2336=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 2337
2044C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2338C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2045pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2339pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2046than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2340than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2047increase this value. 2341increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2342
2343=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2344
2345C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2346inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2347usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2348watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2349two).
2048 2350
2049=item EV_COMMON 2351=item EV_COMMON
2050 2352
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2353By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2052this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2354this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2081interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2383interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2082will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2384will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2083file. 2385file.
2084 2386
2085The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2387The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2388that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 2389
2390 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2391 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2392 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2393 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2394 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2395 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2396 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2397 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2398 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 2399
2093 #include "ev++.h" 2400 #include "ev++.h"
2094 2401
2095And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2402And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2096 2403
2102 2409
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2410In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2411libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2412documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 2413
2414All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2415extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2416happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2417mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2418it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2419
2107=over 4 2420=over 4
2108 2421
2109=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2422=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2110 2423
2424This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2425there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2426have to skip those 100 watchers.
2427
2111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2428=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2112 2429
2430That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2431as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2432
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2433=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2114 2434
2435These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2436=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2116 2437
2117=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2438=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2439
2440These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2441correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2442have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2118 2443
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2444=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2120 2445
2121=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2446=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2122 2447
2448A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2449libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2450
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2451=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2124 2452
2453=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2454
2455Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2456priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2457linearly search all the priorities.
2458
2125=back 2459=back
2126 2460
2127 2461
2128=head1 AUTHOR 2462=head1 AUTHOR
2129 2463

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