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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
482libev 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
483usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
484 488
485Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
486 490
491 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
487 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 492 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
488 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 493 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
489 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 494 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
490 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 495 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
491 - Update the "event loop time". 496 - Update the "event loop time".
492 - Calculate for how long to block. 497 - Calculate for how long to block.
493 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 498 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
732=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 737=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
733 738
734Returns 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
735events 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
736is 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
737C<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
738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 743make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
744it).
739 745
740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 746=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741 747
742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 748Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
743 749
762watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first. 768watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
763 769
764If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 770If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
765you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 771you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
766 772
773You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
774pending.
775
767The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 776The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
768always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 777always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
769 778
770Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 779Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
771fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 780fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
772or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 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>.
773 794
774=back 795=back
775 796
776 797
777=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 798=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
883it 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
884C<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.
885 906
886If 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
887play 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
888wether 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
889such 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
890its own, so its quite safe to use). 911its own, so its quite safe to use).
891 912
892=over 4 913=over 4
893 914
1053but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1074but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1054to 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
1055periodic 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 ()
1056+ 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
1057take 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
1058roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1079roughly 10 seconds later).
1059again).
1060 1080
1061They 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
1062triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1082triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1083rules.
1063 1084
1064As 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
1065time (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
1066during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1087during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1067 1088
1074Lots 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
1075operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1096operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1076 1097
1077=over 4 1098=over 4
1078 1099
1079=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1100=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1080 1101
1081In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1102In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1082C<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,
1083that 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
1084system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1105system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1085 1106
1086=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1107=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1087 1108
1088In 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
1089C<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)
1090of any time jumps. 1111and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1091 1112
1092This 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
1093time: 1114time:
1094 1115
1095 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1116 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1101 1122
1102Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1123Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1103C<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
1104time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1125time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1105 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
1106=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1131=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1107 1132
1108In 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
1109ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1134ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1110reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1135reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1111current time as second argument. 1136current time as second argument.
1112 1137
1113NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1138NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1114ever, 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,
1115return 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
1116starting a prepare watcher). 1141starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1117 1142
1118Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1143Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1119ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1144ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1120 1145
1121 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)
1143 1168
1144Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1169Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1145when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1170when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1146a 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
1147program 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.
1148 1181
1149=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1182=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1150 1183
1151The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1184The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1152take 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
1461with 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
1462of 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
1463loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1496loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1464low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1497low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1465 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
1466=over 4 1509=over 4
1467 1510
1468=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1511=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1469 1512
1470=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1513=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1473parameters 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>
1474macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1517macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1475 1518
1476=back 1519=back
1477 1520
1478Example: 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
1479and 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,
1480in 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
1481pseudo-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.
1482 1533
1483 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1534 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1484 static ev_timer tw; 1535 static ev_timer tw;
1485 1536
1486 static void 1537 static void
1487 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1538 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1488 { 1539 {
1489 // set the relevant poll flags
1490 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1491 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1492 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1493 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1494 } 1540 }
1495 1541
1496 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1542 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1497 static void 1543 static void
1498 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1544 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1504 1550
1505 /* 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 */
1506 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1552 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1507 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1553 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1508 1554
1509 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1555 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1510 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1556 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1511 { 1557 {
1512 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1558 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1513 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1559 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1514 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1560 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1515 1561
1516 fds [i].revents = 0; 1562 fds [i].revents = 0;
1517 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1518 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1563 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1519 } 1564 }
1520 } 1565 }
1521 1566
1522 // stop all watchers after blocking 1567 // stop all watchers after blocking
1524 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1569 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1525 { 1570 {
1526 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1571 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1527 1572
1528 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
1529 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1583 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1584 }
1530 1585
1531 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;
1532 } 1646 }
1533 1647
1534 1648
1535=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1649=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1536 1650
1740 1854
1741To use it, 1855To use it,
1742 1856
1743 #include <ev++.h> 1857 #include <ev++.h>
1744 1858
1745(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
1746and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1860of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1747namespace. 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>.
1748 1863
1749It 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++
1750C<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).
1751 1874
1752Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1875Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1753 1876
1754=over 4 1877=over 4
1755 1878
1771 1894
1772All of those classes have these methods: 1895All of those classes have these methods:
1773 1896
1774=over 4 1897=over 4
1775 1898
1776=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1899=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1777 1900
1778=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1901=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1779 1902
1780=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1903=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1781 1904
1782The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1905The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1783the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1906with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1784C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1907
1785before 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
1786automatically 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).
1787 1916
1788The 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> ();
1789 1957
1790=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1958=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1791 1959
1792Associates 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
1793do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1961do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1794 1962
1795=item w->set ([args]) 1963=item w->set ([args])
1796 1964
1797Basically 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
1798called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1966called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1799automatically stopped and restarted. 1967automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1968method.
1800 1969
1801=item w->start () 1970=item w->start ()
1802 1971
1803Starts 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
1804constructor already takes the loop. 1973constructor already stores the event loop.
1805 1974
1806=item w->stop () 1975=item w->stop ()
1807 1976
1808Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1977Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1809 1978
1834 2003
1835 myclass (); 2004 myclass ();
1836 } 2005 }
1837 2006
1838 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2007 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1839 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1840 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1841 { 2008 {
2009 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2010 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2011
1842 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2012 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1843 } 2013 }
1844 2014
1845 2015
1846=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2016=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1847 2017
1848Libev 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
1849C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2019C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1850callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2020callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1851 2021
1852To 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
1853following macros are defined: 2023following macros are defined:
1854 2024
1888loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2058loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1889 2059
1890=back 2060=back
1891 2061
1892Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2062Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1893macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported 2063macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1894or not. 2064or not.
1895 2065
1896 static void 2066 static void
1897 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2067 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1898 { 2068 {
2123will 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
2124additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2294additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2125for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2295for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2126argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2296argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2127 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
2128=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2315=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2129 2316
2130If 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
2131defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2318defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2132code. 2319code.
2234 2421
2235In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2422In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2236libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2423libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2237documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2424documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2238 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
2239=over 4 2432=over 4
2240 2433
2241=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)
2242 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
2243=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)
2244 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
2245=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2445=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2246 2446
2447These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2247=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2448=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2248 2449
2249=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))
2250 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
2251=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2456=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2252 2457
2253=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)
2254 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
2255=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2463=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2256 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
2257=back 2471=back
2258 2472
2259 2473
2260=head1 AUTHOR 2474=head1 AUTHOR
2261 2475

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