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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
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
112 117
113=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
114 119
115=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 121
117You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
120symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
123Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 134not a problem.
127 135
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 137version.
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 170C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 171recommended ones.
164 172
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 173See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 174
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 175=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 176
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 177Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 178semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 179allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 180memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 181potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
182function.
174 183
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 184You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 185free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
177or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 186or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
178 187
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 274override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
266useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 275useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
267around bugs. 276around bugs.
268 277
278=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
279
280Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
281a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
282enabling this flag.
283
284This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
285and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
286iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
287Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
288without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
289C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
290
291The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
292forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
293flag.
294
295This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
296environment variable.
297
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 299
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 300This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 301libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 302but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
408 437
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 438Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 439C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 441
442=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
443
444Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
445the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
446happily wraps around with enough iterations.
447
448This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
449"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
450C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
451
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 453
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 455use.
417 456
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 491
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 741
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 742Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 743events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 744is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
707 748
708=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 750
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 752
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 754
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 797
717=back 798=back
718 799
719 800
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
741 { 822 {
742 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 823 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
743 ... 824 ...
744 } 825 }
745 826
746More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 827More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
747have been omitted.... 828instead have been omitted.
829
830Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
831watchers:
832
833 struct my_biggy
834 {
835 int some_data;
836 ev_timer t1;
837 ev_timer t2;
838 }
839
840In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
841you need to use C<offsetof>:
842
843 #include <stddef.h>
844
845 static void
846 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
847 {
848 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
849 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
850 }
851
852 static void
853 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
854 {
855 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
856 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
857 }
748 858
749 859
750=head1 WATCHER TYPES 860=head1 WATCHER TYPES
751 861
752This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 862This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
797it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 907it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
798C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
799 909
800If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 910If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
801play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
802wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
803such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
804its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
805 937
806=over 4 938=over 4
807 939
808=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
809 941
885=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1017=item ev_timer_again (loop)
886 1018
887This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1019This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
888repeating. The exact semantics are: 1020repeating. The exact semantics are:
889 1021
1022If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1023
890If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1024If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
891 1025
892If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1026If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
893value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1027C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
894 1028
895This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1029This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
896example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1030example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
897idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1031timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
898say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1032seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
899this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1033configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
900C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1034C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
901you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1035you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
902socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1036socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
903need be. 1037automatically restart it if need be.
904 1038
905You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1039That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
906and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1040altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
907 1041
908 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1042 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
909 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1043 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
910 ... 1044 ...
911 timer->again = 17.; 1045 timer->again = 17.;
912 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1046 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
913 ... 1047 ...
914 timer->again = 10.; 1048 timer->again = 10.;
915 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
916 1050
917This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1051This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
918to modify its timeout value. 1052you want to modify its timeout value.
919 1053
920=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1054=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
921 1055
922The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1056The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
923or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1057or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
965but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1099but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
966to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1100to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
967periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1101periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
968+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1102+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
969take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1103take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
970roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
971again).
972 1105
973They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1106They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
974triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
975 1109
976As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1110As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
977time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1111time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
978during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
979 1113
986Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1120Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
987operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
988 1122
989=over 4 1123=over 4
990 1124
991=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1126
993In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
994C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1128C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
995that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1129that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
996system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
997 1131
998=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
999 1133
1000In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1134In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1001C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1135C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1002of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1003 1137
1004This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1138This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1005time: 1139time:
1006 1140
1007 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1013 1147
1014Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1015C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1149C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1016time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1017 1151
1152For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1153C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1154this value.
1155
1018=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1019 1157
1020In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1158In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1021ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1022reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1023current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
1024 1162
1025NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1026ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1164ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1027return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1165return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1028starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1029 1167
1030Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1031ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1032 1170
1033 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1171 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1055 1193
1056Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1057when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1058a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1196a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1059program when the crontabs have changed). 1197program when the crontabs have changed).
1198
1199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1200
1201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1202absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1203
1204Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1205timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1060 1206
1061=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1062 1208
1063The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1209The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1064take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1210take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1192not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1338not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1193not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1339not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1194otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1340otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1195the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1341the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1196 1342
1343The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1344relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1345
1197Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1346Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1198calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1347calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1199can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1348can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1200a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1349a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1201unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1350unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1202five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1351five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1203impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1352impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1205 1354
1206This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1355This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1207as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1356as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1208resource-intensive. 1357resource-intensive.
1209 1358
1210At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1359At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1211if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1360implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1361reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1362semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1363to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1364usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1365polling.
1212 1366
1213=over 4 1367=over 4
1214 1368
1215=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1369=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1216 1370
1280 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1281 1435
1282 1436
1283=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1437=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1284 1438
1285Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1286(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1287as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
1288imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
1289watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1443That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1444(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1445triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1446are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1290until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1291busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1292 1449
1293The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1450The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1294active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1295 1452
1296Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1362with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1519with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1363of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1520of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1364loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1365low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1366 1523
1524It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1525priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1526after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1527too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1528supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1529their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1530loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1531C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1532others).
1533
1367=over 4 1534=over 4
1368 1535
1369=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1370 1537
1371=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1374parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1541parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1375macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1376 1543
1377=back 1544=back
1378 1545
1379Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1546There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1380and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1547into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1548(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1549use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1550embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1551into the Glib event loop).
1552
1553Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1381in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1554and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1382pseudo-code only of course: 1555is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1556priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1557the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1383 1558
1384 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1385 static ev_timer tw; 1560 static ev_timer tw;
1386 1561
1387 static void 1562 static void
1388 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1389 { 1564 {
1390 // set the relevant poll flags
1391 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1392 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1393 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1394 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1395 } 1565 }
1396 1566
1397 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1398 static void 1568 static void
1399 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1400 { 1570 {
1401 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1571 int timeout = 3600000;
1572 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1402 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1573 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1403 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1574 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1404 1575
1405 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1576 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1406 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1407 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1408 1579
1409 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1410 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1411 { 1582 {
1412 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1413 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1414 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1415 1586
1416 fds [i].revents = 0; 1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1417 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1418 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1419 } 1589 }
1420 } 1590 }
1421 1591
1422 // stop all watchers after blocking 1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1424 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1425 { 1595 {
1426 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1427 1597
1428 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1598 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1599 {
1600 // set the relevant poll flags
1601 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1602 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1603 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1604 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1605 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1606
1607 // now stop the watcher
1429 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1430 1610
1431 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1611 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1612 }
1613
1614Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1615in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1616
1617Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1618notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1619callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1620
1621 static void
1622 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1623 {
1624 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1625 update_now (EV_A);
1626
1627 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1634 update_now (EV_A);
1635
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1638 }
1639
1640 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1641
1642Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1643want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1644their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1645loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1646this.
1647
1648 static gint
1649 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1650 {
1651 int got_events = 0;
1652
1653 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1654 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1655
1656 if (timeout >= 0)
1657 // create/start timer
1658
1659 // poll
1660 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1661
1662 // stop timer again
1663 if (timeout >= 0)
1664 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1665
1666 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1667 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1668 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1669
1670 return got_events;
1432 } 1671 }
1433 1672
1434 1673
1435=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1436 1675
1640 1879
1641To use it, 1880To use it,
1642 1881
1643 #include <ev++.h> 1882 #include <ev++.h>
1644 1883
1645(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1884This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1646and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1647namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1886put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1887options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1648 1888
1649It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1889Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1650C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1890classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1891that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1892you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1893
1894Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1895used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1896need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1897types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1898it).
1651 1899
1652Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1653 1901
1654=over 4 1902=over 4
1655 1903
1671 1919
1672All of those classes have these methods: 1920All of those classes have these methods:
1673 1921
1674=over 4 1922=over 4
1675 1923
1676=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1677 1925
1678=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1679 1927
1680=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1681 1929
1682The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1683the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1931with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1684C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1932
1685before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1933The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1686automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1934C<set> method before starting it.
1935
1936It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1937method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1938
1939(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1940not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1687 1941
1688The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1942The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1943
1944=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1945
1946This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1947signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1948first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1949parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1950
1951This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1952the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1953callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1954your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1955thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1956
1957Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1958
1959 struct myclass
1960 {
1961 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1962 }
1963
1964 myclass obj;
1965 ev::io iow;
1966 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1967
1968=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1969
1970Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1971callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1972C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1973
1974The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1975
1976See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1977
1978Example:
1979
1980 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1981 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1689 1982
1690=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1691 1984
1692Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1985Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1693do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1694 1987
1695=item w->set ([args]) 1988=item w->set ([args])
1696 1989
1697Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1990Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1698called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1699automatically stopped and restarted. 1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1700 1994
1701=item w->start () 1995=item w->start ()
1702 1996
1703Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1997Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1704constructor already takes the loop. 1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1705 1999
1706=item w->stop () 2000=item w->stop ()
1707 2001
1708Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1709 2003
1734 2028
1735 myclass (); 2029 myclass ();
1736 } 2030 }
1737 2031
1738 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1739 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1740 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1741 { 2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
1742 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1743 } 2038 }
1744 2039
1745 2040
1746=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1747 2042
1748Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2043Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1749C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1750callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1751 2046
1752To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2047To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1753following macros are defined: 2048following macros are defined:
1754 2049
1787Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2082Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1788loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1789 2084
1790=back 2085=back
1791 2086
1792Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1793wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2089or not.
1794 2090
1795 static void 2091 static void
1796 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1797 { 2093 {
1798 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2094 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1800 2096
1801 ev_check check; 2097 ev_check check;
1802 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2098 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1803 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2099 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1804 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2100 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1805
1806 2101
1807=head1 EMBEDDING 2102=head1 EMBEDDING
1808 2103
1809Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2104Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1810applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2105applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1850 ev_vars.h 2145 ev_vars.h
1851 ev_wrap.h 2146 ev_wrap.h
1852 2147
1853 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2148 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1854 2149
1855 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2150 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1856 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2151 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1857 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2152 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1858 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2153 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1859 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2154 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1860 2155
1985 2280
1986=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2281=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1987 2282
1988reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2283reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1989 2284
2285=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2286
2287If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2288interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2289be detected at runtime.
2290
1990=item EV_H 2291=item EV_H
1991 2292
1992The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2293The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1993undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2294undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1994can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2295can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2017will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2318will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2018additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2019for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2020argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2021 2322
2323=item EV_MINPRI
2324
2325=item EV_MAXPRI
2326
2327The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2328C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2329provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2330to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2331
2332When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2333all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2334and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2335fine.
2336
2337If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2338C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2339
2022=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2023 2341
2024If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2025defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2026code. 2344code.
2027 2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2350code.
2351
2028=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2029 2353
2030If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2354If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2031defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2355defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2032 2356
2049=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2373=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2050 2374
2051C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2375C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2052pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2376pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2053than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2377than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2054increase this value. 2378increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2379
2380=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2381
2382C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2383inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2384usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2385watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2386two).
2055 2387
2056=item EV_COMMON 2388=item EV_COMMON
2057 2389
2058By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2390By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2059this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2391this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2088interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2420interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2089will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2421will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2090file. 2422file.
2091 2423
2092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2424The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2093that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2425that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2094 2426
2427 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2095 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2428 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2096 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2429 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2097 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2430 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2431 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2432 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2098 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2433 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2434 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2435 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2099 2436
2100 #include "ev++.h" 2437 #include "ev++.h"
2101 2438
2102And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2439And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2103 2440
2109 2446
2110In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2111libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2112documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2113 2450
2451All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2452extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2453happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2454mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2455it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2456
2114=over 4 2457=over 4
2115 2458
2116=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2459=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2117 2460
2461This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2462there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2463have to skip those 100 watchers.
2464
2118=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2465=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2119 2466
2467That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2468as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2469
2120=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2121 2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2122=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2123 2474
2124=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2476
2477These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2478correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2479have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2125 2480
2126=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2127 2482
2128=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2483=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2129 2484
2485A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2486libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2487
2130=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2131 2489
2490=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2491
2492Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2493priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2494linearly search all the priorities.
2495
2132=back 2496=back
2133 2497
2134 2498
2135=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
2136 2500

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