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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
113 117
114=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
115 119
116=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 121
118You 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
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<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
121symbols 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
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
124Usually, 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,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 134not a problem.
128 135
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 137version.
266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
267override 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
268useful 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
269around bugs. 276around bugs.
270 277
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
271=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
272 299
273This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 300This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
274libev 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,
275but 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
410 437
411Like 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
412C<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
413after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
414 441
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
415=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
416 453
417Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
418use. 455use.
419 456
452libev 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
453usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
454 491
455Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
456 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
457 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
458 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
459 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
460 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
461 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
462 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
463 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
702=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
703 741
704Returns 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
705events 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
706is 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
707C<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
708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
709 748
710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
711 750
712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
713 752
714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
715 754
716Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
717(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>.
718 797
719=back 798=back
720 799
721 800
722=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
828it 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
829C<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.
830 909
831If 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
832play 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
833wether 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
834such 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
835its 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
836 937
837=over 4 938=over 4
838 939
839=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
840 941
998but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1099but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
999to 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
1000periodic 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 ()
1001+ 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
1002take 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
1003roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
1004again).
1005 1105
1006They 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
1007triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
1008 1109
1009As 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
1010time (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
1011during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1012 1113
1019Lots 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
1020operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1021 1122
1022=over 4 1123=over 4
1023 1124
1024=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1025 1126
1026In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1027C<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,
1028that 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
1029system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1030 1131
1031=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1032 1133
1033In 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
1034C<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)
1035of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1036 1137
1037This 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
1038time: 1139time:
1039 1140
1040 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1046 1147
1047Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1048C<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
1049time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1050 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
1051=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1052 1157
1053In 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
1054ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1055reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1056current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
1057 1162
1058NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1059ever, 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,
1060return 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
1061starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1062 1167
1063Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1064ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1065 1170
1066 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)
1088 1193
1089Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1090when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1091a 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
1092program 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.
1093 1206
1094=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1095 1208
1096The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1209The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1097take 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
1321 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1322 1435
1323 1436
1324=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...
1325 1438
1326Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1327(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1328as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
1329imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
1330watchers 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
1331until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1332busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1333 1449
1334The 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
1335active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1336 1452
1337Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1403with 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
1404of 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
1405loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1406low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1407 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
1408=over 4 1534=over 4
1409 1535
1410=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1411 1537
1412=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1415parameters 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>
1416macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1417 1543
1418=back 1544=back
1419 1545
1420Example: 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
1421and 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,
1422in 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
1423pseudo-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.
1424 1558
1425 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1426 static ev_timer tw; 1560 static ev_timer tw;
1427 1561
1428 static void 1562 static void
1429 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1430 { 1564 {
1431 // set the relevant poll flags
1432 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1433 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1434 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1435 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1436 } 1565 }
1437 1566
1438 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1439 static void 1568 static void
1440 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1441 { 1570 {
1442 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1571 int timeout = 3600000;
1572 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1443 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1573 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1444 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1574 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1445 1575
1446 /* 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 */
1447 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1448 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1449 1579
1450 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1451 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1452 { 1582 {
1453 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1454 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1455 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1456 1586
1457 fds [i].revents = 0; 1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1458 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1459 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1460 } 1589 }
1461 } 1590 }
1462 1591
1463 // stop all watchers after blocking 1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1465 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1466 { 1595 {
1467 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1468 1597
1469 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
1470 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1471 1610
1472 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;
1473 } 1671 }
1474 1672
1475 1673
1476=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1477 1675
1681 1879
1682To use it, 1880To use it,
1683 1881
1684 #include <ev++.h> 1882 #include <ev++.h>
1685 1883
1686(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
1687and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1688namespace. 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>.
1689 1888
1690It 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++
1691C<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).
1692 1899
1693Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1694 1901
1695=over 4 1902=over 4
1696 1903
1712 1919
1713All of those classes have these methods: 1920All of those classes have these methods:
1714 1921
1715=over 4 1922=over 4
1716 1923
1717=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1718 1925
1719=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1720 1927
1721=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1722 1929
1723The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1724the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1931with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1725C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1932
1726before 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
1727automatically 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).
1728 1941
1729The 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> ();
1730 1982
1731=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1732 1984
1733Associates 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
1734do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1735 1987
1736=item w->set ([args]) 1988=item w->set ([args])
1737 1989
1738Basically 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
1739called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1740automatically stopped and restarted. 1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1741 1994
1742=item w->start () 1995=item w->start ()
1743 1996
1744Starts 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
1745constructor already takes the loop. 1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1746 1999
1747=item w->stop () 2000=item w->stop ()
1748 2001
1749Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1750 2003
1775 2028
1776 myclass (); 2029 myclass ();
1777 } 2030 }
1778 2031
1779 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1780 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1781 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1782 { 2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
1783 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1784 } 2038 }
1785 2039
1786 2040
1787=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1788 2042
1789Libev 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
1790C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1791callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1792 2046
1793To 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
1794following macros are defined: 2048following macros are defined:
1795 2049
1828Similar 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
1829loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1830 2084
1831=back 2085=back
1832 2086
1833Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1834wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2089or not.
1835 2090
1836 static void 2091 static void
1837 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1838 { 2093 {
1839 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2094 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1841 2096
1842 ev_check check; 2097 ev_check check;
1843 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2098 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1844 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2099 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1845 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2100 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1846
1847 2101
1848=head1 EMBEDDING 2102=head1 EMBEDDING
1849 2103
1850Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2104Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1851applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2105applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1891 ev_vars.h 2145 ev_vars.h
1892 ev_wrap.h 2146 ev_wrap.h
1893 2147
1894 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2148 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1895 2149
1896 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)
1897 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)
1898 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)
1899 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)
1900 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)
1901 2155
2064will 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
2065additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2066for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2067argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2068 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
2069=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2070 2341
2071If 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
2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2344code.
2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2072defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2073code. 2350code.
2074 2351
2075=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2076 2353
2143interface) 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
2144will 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
2145file. 2422file.
2146 2423
2147The 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
2148that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2425that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2149 2426
2427 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2150 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2428 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2151 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2429 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2152 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2430 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2431 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2432 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2153 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2433 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2434 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2435 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2154 2436
2155 #include "ev++.h" 2437 #include "ev++.h"
2156 2438
2157And 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:
2158 2440
2164 2446
2165In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2166libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2167documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2168 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
2169=over 4 2457=over 4
2170 2458
2171=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)
2172 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
2173=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)
2174 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
2175=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2176 2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2177=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2178 2474
2179=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2180 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).
2480
2181=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2182 2482
2183=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)
2184 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
2185=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2186 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
2187=back 2496=back
2188 2497
2189 2498
2190=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
2191 2500

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