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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
430 434
431Like 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
432C<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
433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434 438
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
435=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
436 450
437Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
438use. 452use.
439 453
472libev 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
473usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
474 488
475Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
476 490
491 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
477 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 492 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
478 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 493 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
479 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 494 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
480 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 495 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
481 - Update the "event loop time". 496 - Update the "event loop time".
482 - Calculate for how long to block. 497 - Calculate for how long to block.
483 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 498 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
722=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 737=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 738
724Returns 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
725events 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
726is 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
727C<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
728libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 743make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
744it).
729 745
730=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 746=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731 747
732Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 748Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
733 749
734=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 750=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
735 751
736Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 752Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
737(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>.
738 794
739=back 795=back
740 796
741 797
742=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 798=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
848it 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
849C<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.
850 906
851If 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
852play 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
853wether 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
854such 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
855its own, so its quite safe to use). 911its own, so its quite safe to use).
856 912
857=over 4 913=over 4
858 914
1018but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1074but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1019to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1075to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1020periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1076periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1021+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1077+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1022take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1078take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1023roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1079roughly 10 seconds later).
1024again).
1025 1080
1026They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1081They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1027triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1082triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1083rules.
1028 1084
1029As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1085As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1030time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1086time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1031during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1087during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1032 1088
1039Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1095Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1040operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1096operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1041 1097
1042=over 4 1098=over 4
1043 1099
1044=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1100=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1045 1101
1046In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1102In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1047C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1103C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1048that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1104that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1049system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1105system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1050 1106
1051=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1107=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1052 1108
1053In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1109In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1054C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1110C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1055of any time jumps. 1111and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1056 1112
1057This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1113This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1058time: 1114time:
1059 1115
1060 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1116 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1066 1122
1067Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1123Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1068C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1124C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1069time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1125time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1070 1126
1127For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1128C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1129this value.
1130
1071=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1131=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1072 1132
1073In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1133In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1074ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1134ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1075reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1135reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1076current time as second argument. 1136current time as second argument.
1077 1137
1078NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1138NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1079ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1139ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1080return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1140return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1081starting a prepare watcher). 1141starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1082 1142
1083Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1143Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1084ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1144ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1085 1145
1086 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1146 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1108 1168
1109Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1169Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1110when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1170when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1111a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1171a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1112program when the crontabs have changed). 1172program when the crontabs have changed).
1173
1174=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1175
1176When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1177absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1178
1179Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1180timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1113 1181
1114=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1182=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1115 1183
1116The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1184The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1117take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1185take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1341 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1409 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1342 1410
1343 1411
1344=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1412=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1345 1413
1346Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1414Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1347(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1415priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1348as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1416count).
1349imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1417
1350watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1418That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1419(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1420triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1421are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1351until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1422iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1352busy. 1423and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1353 1424
1354The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1425The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1355active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1426active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1356 1427
1357Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1428Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1423with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1494with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1424of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1495of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1496loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1497low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1427 1498
1499It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1500priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1501after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1502too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1503supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1504their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1505loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1506C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1507others).
1508
1428=over 4 1509=over 4
1429 1510
1430=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1511=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1431 1512
1432=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1513=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1435parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1516parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1436macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1517macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1437 1518
1438=back 1519=back
1439 1520
1440Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1521There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1441and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1522into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1523(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1524use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1525embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1526into the Glib event loop).
1527
1528Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1442in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1529and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1443pseudo-code only of course: 1530is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1531priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1532the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1444 1533
1445 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1534 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1446 static ev_timer tw; 1535 static ev_timer tw;
1447 1536
1448 static void 1537 static void
1449 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1538 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1450 { 1539 {
1451 // set the relevant poll flags
1452 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1453 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1454 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1455 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1456 } 1540 }
1457 1541
1458 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1542 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1459 static void 1543 static void
1460 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1544 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1466 1550
1467 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1551 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1468 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1552 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1469 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1553 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1470 1554
1471 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1555 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1472 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1556 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1473 { 1557 {
1474 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1558 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1475 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1559 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1476 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1560 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1477 1561
1478 fds [i].revents = 0; 1562 fds [i].revents = 0;
1479 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1480 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1563 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1481 } 1564 }
1482 } 1565 }
1483 1566
1484 // stop all watchers after blocking 1567 // stop all watchers after blocking
1486 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1569 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1487 { 1570 {
1488 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1571 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1489 1572
1490 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1573 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1574 {
1575 // set the relevant poll flags
1576 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1577 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1578 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1579 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1580 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1581
1582 // now stop the watcher
1491 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1583 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1584 }
1492 1585
1493 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1586 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1587 }
1588
1589Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1590in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1591
1592Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1593notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1594callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1595
1596 static void
1597 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1598 {
1599 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1600 update_now (EV_A);
1601
1602 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1603 }
1604
1605 static void
1606 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1607 {
1608 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1609 update_now (EV_A);
1610
1611 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1612 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1613 }
1614
1615 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1616
1617Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1618want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1619their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1620loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1621this.
1622
1623 static gint
1624 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1625 {
1626 int got_events = 0;
1627
1628 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1629 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1630
1631 if (timeout >= 0)
1632 // create/start timer
1633
1634 // poll
1635 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1636
1637 // stop timer again
1638 if (timeout >= 0)
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1640
1641 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1642 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1643 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1644
1645 return got_events;
1494 } 1646 }
1495 1647
1496 1648
1497=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1649=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1498 1650
1702 1854
1703To use it, 1855To use it,
1704 1856
1705 #include <ev++.h> 1857 #include <ev++.h>
1706 1858
1707(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1859This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1708and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1860of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1709namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1861put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1862options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1710 1863
1711It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1864Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1712C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1865classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1866that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1867you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1868
1869Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1870used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1871need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1872types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1873it).
1713 1874
1714Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1875Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1715 1876
1716=over 4 1877=over 4
1717 1878
1733 1894
1734All of those classes have these methods: 1895All of those classes have these methods:
1735 1896
1736=over 4 1897=over 4
1737 1898
1738=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1899=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1739 1900
1740=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1901=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1741 1902
1742=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1903=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1743 1904
1744The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1905The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1745the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1906with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1746C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1907
1747before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1908The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1748automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1909C<set> method before starting it.
1910
1911It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1912method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1913
1914(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1915not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1749 1916
1750The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1917The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1918
1919=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1920
1921This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1922signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1923first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1924parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1925
1926This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1927the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1928callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1929your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1930thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1931
1932Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1933
1934 struct myclass
1935 {
1936 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1937 }
1938
1939 myclass obj;
1940 ev::io iow;
1941 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1942
1943=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1944
1945Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1946callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1947C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1948
1949The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1950
1951See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1952
1953Example:
1954
1955 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1956 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1751 1957
1752=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1958=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1753 1959
1754Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1960Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1755do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1961do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1756 1962
1757=item w->set ([args]) 1963=item w->set ([args])
1758 1964
1759Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1965Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1760called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1966called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1761automatically stopped and restarted. 1967automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1968method.
1762 1969
1763=item w->start () 1970=item w->start ()
1764 1971
1765Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1972Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1766constructor already takes the loop. 1973constructor already stores the event loop.
1767 1974
1768=item w->stop () 1975=item w->stop ()
1769 1976
1770Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1977Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1771 1978
1796 2003
1797 myclass (); 2004 myclass ();
1798 } 2005 }
1799 2006
1800 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2007 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1801 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1802 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1803 { 2008 {
2009 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2010 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2011
1804 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2012 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1805 } 2013 }
1806 2014
1807 2015
1808=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2016=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1809 2017
1810Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2018Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1811C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2019C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1812callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2020callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1813 2021
1814To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2022To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1815following macros are defined: 2023following macros are defined:
1816 2024
1850loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2058loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1851 2059
1852=back 2060=back
1853 2061
1854Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2062Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1855macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2063macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1856or not. 2064or not.
1857 2065
1858 static void 2066 static void
1859 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2067 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1860 { 2068 {
2085will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2293will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2086additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2294additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2087for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2295for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2088argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2296argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2089 2297
2298=item EV_MINPRI
2299
2300=item EV_MAXPRI
2301
2302The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2303C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2304provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2305to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2306
2307When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2308all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2309and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2310fine.
2311
2312If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2313C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2314
2090=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2315=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2091 2316
2092If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2317If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2318defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2319code.
2320
2321=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2322
2323If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2093defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2324defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2094code. 2325code.
2095 2326
2096=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2327=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2097 2328
2190 2421
2191In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2422In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2192libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2423libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2193documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2424documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2194 2425
2426All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2427extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2428happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2429mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2430it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2431
2195=over 4 2432=over 4
2196 2433
2197=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2434=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2198 2435
2436This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2437there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2438have to skip those 100 watchers.
2439
2199=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2440=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2200 2441
2442That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2443as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2444
2201=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2445=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2202 2446
2447These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2203=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2448=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2204 2449
2205=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2450=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2206 2451
2452These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2453correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2454have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2455
2207=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2456=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2208 2457
2209=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2458=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2210 2459
2460A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2461libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2462
2211=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2463=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2212 2464
2465=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2466
2467Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2468priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2469linearly search all the priorities.
2470
2213=back 2471=back
2214 2472
2215 2473
2216=head1 AUTHOR 2474=head1 AUTHOR
2217 2475

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