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39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>)
42will not have this argument. 42will not have this argument.
43 43
44=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 45
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the double type in C. 50to the double type in C.
51 51
52=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
53
54These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
55library in any way.
56
52=over 4 57=over 4
53 58
54=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 59=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
55 60
56Returns the current time as libev would use it. 61Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
62C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
63you actually want to know.
57 64
58=item int ev_version_major () 65=item int ev_version_major ()
59 66
60=item int ev_version_minor () 67=item int ev_version_minor ()
61 68
63you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 70you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
64C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 71C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
65symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 72symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
66version of the library your program was compiled against. 73version of the library your program was compiled against.
67 74
68Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 75Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
69as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 76as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
70compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 77compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
71not a problem. 78not a problem.
79
80=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
81
82Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
83value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
84availability on the system you are running on). See C<ev_default_loop> for
85a description of the set values.
86
87=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
88
89Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
90recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
91returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
92most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it
93(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
94C<EVFLAG_AUTO> will probe for.
72 95
73=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 96=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
74 97
75Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 98Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the
76realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 99realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate
99An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 122An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
100types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 123types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
101events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 124events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
102 125
103If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 126If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
104in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 127in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
105create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 128create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
106whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different 129whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
107threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if 130threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
108done correctly, because its hideous and inefficient). 131done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
109 132
110=over 4 133=over 4
111 134
112=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 135=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
113 136
114This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 137This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
115yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 138yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns
116false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 139false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
117flags). 140flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
118 141
119If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 142If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
120function. 143function.
121 144
122The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 145The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
123backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO). 146backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or EVFLAG_AUTO).
124 147
125It supports the following flags: 148It supports the following flags:
126 149
127=over 4 150=over 4
128 151
129=item EVFLAG_AUTO 152=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
130 153
131The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 154The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
132thing, believe me). 155thing, believe me).
133 156
134=item EVFLAG_NOENV 157=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
135 158
136If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 159If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
137or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 160or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
138C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 161C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
139override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 162override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
140useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 163useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
141around bugs. 164around bugs.
142 165
143=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 166=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
144 167
145=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 168This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
169libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
170but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
171using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
172the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
146 173
147=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 174=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
148 175
149=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 176And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than
177select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the
178number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a
179lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
150 180
151=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 181=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
152 182
153=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 183For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
184but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
185O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
186either O(1) or O(active_fds).
187
188While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will
189result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
190(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
191best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
192well if you register events for both fds.
193
194Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
195need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
196(or space) is available.
197
198=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
199
200Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
201was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
202anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
203completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" unless
204you explicitly specify the flags (i.e. you don't use EVFLAG_AUTO).
205
206It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
207kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
208course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an
209extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
210incident, so its best to avoid that.
211
212=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
213
214This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
215
216=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
217
218This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
219it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
220
221Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious
222notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
223blocking when no data (or space) is available.
224
225=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
226
227Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
228with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
229C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
230
231=back
154 232
155If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 233If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
156backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 234backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
157specified, any backend will do. 235specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
158 236order of their flag values :)
159=back
160 237
161=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 238=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
162 239
163Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 240Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
164always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 241always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
167 244
168=item ev_default_destroy () 245=item ev_default_destroy ()
169 246
170Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 247Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
171etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 248etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in
172any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 249any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :).
173 250
174=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 251=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
175 252
176Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 253Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
177earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 254earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
181This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 258This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
182one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 259one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense
183after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 260after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that
184again makes little sense). 261again makes little sense).
185 262
186You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 263You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and
187use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 264only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just
188have to call it. 265fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
189 266
190The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 267The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
191it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 268it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
192quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 269quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
193 270
194 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 271 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
272
273At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
274without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
275do not need to care.
195 276
196=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 277=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
197 278
198Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 279Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
199C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 280C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
200after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 281after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
201 282
202=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 283=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
203 284
204Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 285Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
205use. 286use.
206 287
207=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 288=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
208 289
209Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 290Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
210got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 291got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change
211as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 292as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time
212used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 293used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event
221If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 302If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either
222no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 303no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
223 304
224A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 305A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
225those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 306those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
226case there are no events. 307case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
227 308
228A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 309A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
229neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 310neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
230your process until at least one new event arrives. 311your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
312one iteration of the loop.
231 313
232This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 314This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping
233constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 315constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and
234more generic mechanism. 316more generic mechanism.
235 317
318Here are the gory details of what ev_loop does:
319
320 1. If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
321 2. Queue and immediately call all prepare watchers.
322 3. If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
323 4. Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
324 5. Update the "event loop time".
325 6. Calculate for how long to block.
326 7. Block the process, waiting for events.
327 8. Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
328 9. Queue all outstanding timers.
329 10. Queue all outstanding periodics.
330 11. If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
331 12. Queue all check watchers.
332 13. Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
333 14. If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
334 was used, return, otherwise continue with step #1.
335
236=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 336=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
237 337
238Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 338Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
339has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
239must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 340C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
240call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 341C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
241calls return.
242 342
243=item ev_ref (loop) 343=item ev_ref (loop)
244 344
245=item ev_unref (loop) 345=item ev_unref (loop)
246 346
247Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 347Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
248watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 348loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
249unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 349count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
250starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 350a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
251example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 351returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
252and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 352example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
253also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 353visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
254within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 354no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
255before stop. 355way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
356libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
256 357
257=back 358=back
258 359
259=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 360=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
260 361
261A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 362A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
262interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 363interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
263become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 364become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
264 365
265 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 366 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
266 { 367 {
267 ev_io_stop (w); 368 ev_io_stop (w);
268 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 369 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
295*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 396*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
296corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 397corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
297 398
298As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 399As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
299must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 400must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
300reinitialise it or call its set method. 401reinitialise it or call its set macro.
301 402
302You cna check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active 403You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
303(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the 404(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
304callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending 405callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
305(watcher *)> macro. 406(watcher *)> macro.
306 407
307Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 408Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
308registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 409registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
309third argument. 410third argument.
310 411
311The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 412The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
312(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 413(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
313are: 414are:
314 415
315=over 4 416=over 4
316 417
317=item EV_READ 418=item C<EV_READ>
318 419
319=item EV_WRITE 420=item C<EV_WRITE>
320 421
321The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 422The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
322writable. 423writable.
323 424
324=item EV_TIMEOUT 425=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
325 426
326The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 427The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
327 428
328=item EV_PERIODIC 429=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
329 430
330The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 431The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
331 432
332=item EV_SIGNAL 433=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
333 434
334The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 435The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
335 436
336=item EV_CHILD 437=item C<EV_CHILD>
337 438
338The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 439The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
339 440
340=item EV_IDLE 441=item C<EV_IDLE>
341 442
342The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 443The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
343 444
344=item EV_PREPARE 445=item C<EV_PREPARE>
345 446
346=item EV_CHECK 447=item C<EV_CHECK>
347 448
348All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 449All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
349to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 450to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
350C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 451C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
351received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 452received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
352many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 453many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
353(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 454(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
354C<ev_loop> from blocking). 455C<ev_loop> from blocking).
355 456
356=item EV_ERROR 457=item C<EV_ERROR>
357 458
358An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 459An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
359happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 460happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
360ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 461ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
361problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 462problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
370=back 471=back
371 472
372=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 473=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
373 474
374Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 475Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
375and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 476and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
376to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 477to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
377don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 478don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
378member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 479member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
379data: 480data:
380 481
402=head1 WATCHER TYPES 503=head1 WATCHER TYPES
403 504
404This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 505This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
405information given in the last section. 506information given in the last section.
406 507
407=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 508=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable
408 509
409I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 510I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
410in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 511in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called
411level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 512level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the
412condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 513condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to
413act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 514act on the event and neither want to receive future events).
414 515
415In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers oer 516In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
416fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 517fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
417descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 518descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
418required if you know what you are doing). 519required if you know what you are doing).
419 520
420You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 521You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
421(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 522(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
422descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 523descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
423to the same file/socket etc. description. 524to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share
525the same underlying "file open").
424 526
425If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 527If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
426(at the time of this writing, this includes only EVMETHOD_SELECT and 528(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
427EVMETHOD_POLL). 529C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
428 530
429=over 4 531=over 4
430 532
431=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 533=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
432 534
433=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 535=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
434 536
435Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 537Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive
436events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 538events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ |
437EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 539EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
438 540
439=back 541Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example
542epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications
543for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and
544treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe
545interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either
546C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this
547problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked
548when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
549typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
550I/O unconditionally.
440 551
552=back
553
441=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 554=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts
442 555
443Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 556Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
444given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 557given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
445 558
446The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 559The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
447times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 560times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
448time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 561time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
449detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 562detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
450monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 563monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
564
565The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
566time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
567of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
568you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
569on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
570
571 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
572
573The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
574but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
575order of execution is undefined.
451 576
452=over 4 577=over 4
453 578
454=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 579=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
455 580
461later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 586later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
462 587
463The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 588The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
464configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 589configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
465exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 590exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
466the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 591the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
467timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 592timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
468 593
469=item ev_timer_again (loop) 594=item ev_timer_again (loop)
470 595
471This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 596This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
478 603
479This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 604This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
480example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 605example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
481timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 606timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
482seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 607seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
483configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 608configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each
484time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 609time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle
485state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 610state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop
486the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 611the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.
487 612
488=back 613=back
489 614
490=head2 ev_periodic - to cron or not to cron it 615=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron
491 616
492Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 617Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
493(and unfortunately a bit complex). 618(and unfortunately a bit complex).
494 619
495Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 620Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
496but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 621but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
497to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 622to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
498periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 623periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now ()
499+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 624+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
500take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 625take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
501roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 626roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
502again). 627again).
503 628
504They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 629They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
505triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 630triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
506 631
632As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
633time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
634during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
635
507=over 4 636=over 4
508 637
509=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 638=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
510 639
511=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 640=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
512 641
513Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 642Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
514operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 643operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
515
516 644
517=over 4 645=over 4
518 646
519=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 647=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
520 648
534 662
535 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 663 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
536 664
537This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 665This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
538but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 666but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
539full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 667full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
540by 3600. 668by 3600.
541 669
542Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 670Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
543ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 671C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
544time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 672time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
545 673
546=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 674=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
547 675
548In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 676In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
549ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 677ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
550reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 678reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
551current time as second argument. 679current time as second argument.
552 680
553NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 681NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
554periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 682ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
555to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 683return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
684starting a prepare watcher).
556 685
557Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 686Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
558ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 687ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
559 688
560 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 689 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
561 { 690 {
562 return now + 60.; 691 return now + 60.;
565It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 694It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
566(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 695(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
567will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 696will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
568might be called at other times, too. 697might be called at other times, too.
569 698
699NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
700passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
701
570This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 702This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
571triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 703triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
572next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 704next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
573is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 705you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
706reason I omitted it as an example).
574 707
575=back 708=back
576 709
577=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 710=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
578 711
581a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 714a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
582program when the crontabs have changed). 715program when the crontabs have changed).
583 716
584=back 717=back
585 718
586=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 719=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled
587 720
588Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 721Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
589signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 722signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
590will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 723will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
591normal event processing, like any other event. 724normal event processing, like any other event.
592 725
593You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 726You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
594first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 727first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
595with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 728with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
596as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 729as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
597watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 730watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
598SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 731SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
606Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 739Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
607of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 740of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
608 741
609=back 742=back
610 743
611=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 744=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes
612 745
613Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 746Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
614some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 747some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
615 748
616=over 4 749=over 4
620=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 753=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
621 754
622Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 755Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
623I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 756I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
624at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 757at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
625the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 758the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
626contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 759C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
760process causing the status change.
627 761
628=back 762=back
629 763
630=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 764=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do
631 765
632Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 766Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
633periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 767(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
634handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 768as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
635is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 769imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
770watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration -
636stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 771until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
772busy.
637 773
638The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 774The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
639active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 775active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
640 776
641Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 777Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
651kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 787kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
652believe me. 788believe me.
653 789
654=back 790=back
655 791
656=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 792=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop
657 793
658Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
659tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
660watchers afterwards. 796afterwards.
661 797
662Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 798Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This
663could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 799could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own
664watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 800watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more.
665 801
666This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 802This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
667to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 803to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
668and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 804them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
669just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 805provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
670events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 806any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
671and call back into the library. 807and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
808callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
809because you never know, you know?).
672 810
673As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 811As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
674coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 812coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
675during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 813during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
676are ready to run. 814are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
815with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
816of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
817loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
818low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
677 819
678=over 4 820=over 4
679 821
680=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 822=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
681 823
682=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 824=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
683 825
684Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 826Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
685parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 827parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
686macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 828macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
687 829
688=back 830=back
689 831
690=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 832=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
691 833
692There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 834There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
693 835
694=over 4 836=over 4
695 837
696=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 838=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
697 839
698This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 840This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
699callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 841callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
700watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 842watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
701or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 843or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
702more watchers yourself. 844more watchers yourself.
703 845
704If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 846If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
705ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 847is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
706will be craeted and started. 848C<events> set will be craeted and started.
707 849
708If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 850If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
709started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 851started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
710= 0) will be started. 852repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
853dubious value.
711 854
712The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 855The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
713gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 856passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
714EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 857C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
858value passed to C<ev_once>:
715 859
716 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 860 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
717 { 861 {
718 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 862 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
719 /* doh, nothing entered */ 863 /* doh, nothing entered */;
720 else if (revents & EV_READ) 864 else if (revents & EV_READ)
721 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 865 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
722 } 866 }
723 867
724 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 868 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
725 869
726=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 870=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events)
727 871
728Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 872Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
729has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 873had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
730initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 874initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
731 875
732=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 876=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
733 877
734Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 878Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
879the given events it.
735 880
736=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 881=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
737 882
738Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 883Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!).
739 884
740=back 885=back
741 886
887=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
888
889Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
890emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
891
892=over 4
893
894=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
895
896=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
897ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
898
899=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
900maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
901it a private API).
902
903=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
904will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
905is an ev_pri field.
906
907=item * Other members are not supported.
908
909=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
910to use the libev header file and library.
911
912=back
913
914=head1 C++ SUPPORT
915
916TBD.
917
742=head1 AUTHOR 918=head1 AUTHOR
743 919
744Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 920Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
745 921

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