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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=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>.
10 56
11Libev 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
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
18 64
21details 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
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example).
31 86
32=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
33 88
34Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
35will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
36about various configuraiton options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
37F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
38support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
39argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
40will not have this argument.
41 95
42=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
43 97
44Libev represents time as a single floating point number. This type is 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
45called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
46to the double type in C. 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as such.
104
105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
106
107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
108library in any way.
47 109
48=over 4 110=over 4
49 111
50=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 112=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
51 113
52Returns the current time as libev would use it. 114Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
115C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
116you actually want to know.
53 117
54=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
55 119
56=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
57 121
58You 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
59you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
60C<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
61symbols 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
62version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
63 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
64Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
65as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
66compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
67not a problem. 134not a problem.
68 135
136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
137version.
138
139 assert (("libev version mismatch",
140 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
141 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
142
143=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
144
145Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
146value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
147availability on the system you are running on). See C<ev_default_loop> for
148a description of the set values.
149
150Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
151a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
152
153 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
154 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
155
156=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
157
158Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
159recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
160returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
161most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it
162(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
163libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
164
165=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
166
167Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
168is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends
169might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at
170C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
171recommended ones.
172
173See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
174
69=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 175=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
70 176
71Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 177Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
72realloc function). It is used to allocate and free memory (no surprises 178semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
73here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be allocated, the library 179allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
74might abort or take some potentially destructive action. The default is 180memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
75your system realloc function. 181potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
182function.
76 183
77You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 184You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
78free 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,
79or 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.
187
188Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
189retries).
190
191 static void *
192 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
193 {
194 for (;;)
195 {
196 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
197
198 if (newptr)
199 return newptr;
200
201 sleep (60);
202 }
203 }
204
205 ...
206 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
80 207
81=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 208=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
82 209
83Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 210Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
84as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 211as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
85indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 212indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
86callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 213callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
87matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will geenrally retry the 214matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
88requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 215requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
89(such as abort). 216(such as abort).
217
218Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
219
220 static void
221 fatal_error (const char *msg)
222 {
223 perror (msg);
224 abort ();
225 }
226
227 ...
228 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
90 229
91=back 230=back
92 231
93=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 232=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
94 233
95An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 234An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
96types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 235types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
97events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 236events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
98 237
99If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 238If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
100in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 239in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
101create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no lockign 240create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
102whatsoever, so if you mix calls to different event loops, make sure you 241whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
103lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if done right). 242threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
243done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
104 244
105=over 4 245=over 4
106 246
107=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 247=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
108 248
109This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 249This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
110yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 250yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns
111false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 251false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
112flags). 252flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
113 253
114If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 254If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
115function. 255function.
116 256
117The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 257The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
118backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO) 258backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
119 259
120It supports the following flags: 260The following flags are supported:
121 261
122=over 4 262=over 4
123 263
124=item EVFLAG_AUTO 264=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
125 265
126The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 266The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
127thing, believe me). 267thing, believe me).
128 268
129=item EVFLAG_NOENV 269=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
130 270
131If this flag bit is ored into the flag value then libev will I<not> look 271If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
132at the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this 272or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
133environment variable will override the flags completely. This is useful 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
274override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
134to try out specific backends to tets their performance, or to work around 275useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
135bugs. 276around bugs.
136 277
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
137=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
138 299
139=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 300This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
301libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
302but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
303using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
304the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
140 305
141=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 306=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
142 307
143=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 308And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than
309select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the
310number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a
311lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
144 312
145=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 313=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
146 314
147=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 315For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
316but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
317O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
318either O(1) or O(active_fds).
319
320While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will
321result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
322(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
323best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
324well if you register events for both fds.
325
326Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
327need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
328(or space) is available.
329
330=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
331
332Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
333was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
334anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
335completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected"
336unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
337C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>).
338
339It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
340kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
341course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an
342extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
343incident, so its best to avoid that.
344
345=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
346
347This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
348
349=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
350
351This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
352it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
353
354Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious
355notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
356blocking when no data (or space) is available.
357
358=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
359
360Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
361with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
362C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
363
364=back
148 365
149If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 366If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
150backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 367backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
151specified, any backend will do. 368specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
369order of their flag values :)
152 370
153=back 371The most typical usage is like this:
372
373 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
374 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
375
376Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
377environment settings to be taken into account:
378
379 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
380
381Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
382available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
383event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
384
385 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
154 386
155=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 387=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
156 388
157Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 389Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
158always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 390always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
159handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 391handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
160undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 392undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
161 393
394Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
395
396 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
397 if (!epoller)
398 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
399
162=item ev_default_destroy () 400=item ev_default_destroy ()
163 401
164Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 402Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
165etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 403etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
166any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 404sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
405responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
406calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
407the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
408for example).
167 409
168=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 410=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
169 411
170Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 412Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
171earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 413earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
175This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 417This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
176one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 418one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense
177after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 419after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that
178again makes little sense). 420again makes little sense).
179 421
180You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 422You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and
181use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 423only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just
182have to call it. 424fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
183 425
184The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 426The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
185it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 427it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
186quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 428quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
187 429
188 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 430 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
431
432At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
433without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
434do not need to care.
189 435
190=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 436=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
191 437
192Like 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
193C<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
194after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
195 441
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
196=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
197 453
198Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
199use. 455use.
200 456
201=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 457=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
202 458
203Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 459Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
204got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 460received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
205as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 461change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
206used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 462time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
207occuring (or more correctly, the mainloop finding out about it). 463event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
208 464
209=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 465=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
210 466
211Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 467Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
212after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 468after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
213events. 469events.
214 470
215If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 471If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
216no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 472either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
473
474Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
475relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
476finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that
477automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of
478relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.
217 479
218A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 480A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
219those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 481those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
220case there are no events. 482case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
221 483
222A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 484A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
223neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 485neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
224your process until at least one new event arrives. 486your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
487one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
488external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
225 491
226This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
227constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 493
228more generic mechanism. 494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
499 - Update the "event loop time".
500 - Calculate for how long to block.
501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
502 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
503 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
504 - Queue all outstanding timers.
505 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
506 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
507 - Queue all check watchers.
508 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
509 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
510 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
511 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
512 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
513
514Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
515anymore.
516
517 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
518 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
519 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
520 ... jobs done. yeah!
229 521
230=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 522=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
231 523
232Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 524Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
525has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
233must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 526C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
234call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 527C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
235calls return.
236 528
237=item ev_ref (loop) 529=item ev_ref (loop)
238 530
239=item ev_unref (loop) 531=item ev_unref (loop)
240 532
241Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 533Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
242watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 534loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
243unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 535count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
244starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 536a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
245example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 537returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
246and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 538example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
247also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 539visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
248within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 540no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
249before stop. 541way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
542libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
543
544Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
545running when nothing else is active.
546
547 struct ev_signal exitsig;
548 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
549 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
550 evf_unref (loop);
551
552Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
553
554 ev_ref (loop);
555 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
250 556
251=back 557=back
558
252 559
253=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 560=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
254 561
255A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 562A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
256interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 563interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
257become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 564become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
258 565
259 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 566 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
260 { 567 {
261 ev_io_stop (w); 568 ev_io_stop (w);
262 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 569 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
289*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 596*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
290corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 597corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
291 598
292As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 599As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
293must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 600must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
294reinitialise it or call its set method. 601reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.
295
296You cna check wether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
297(watcher *)> macro. To see wether an event is outstanding (but the
298callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending
299(watcher *)> macro.
300 602
301Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 603Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
302registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 604registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
303third argument. 605third argument.
304 606
305The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 607The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
306(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 608(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
307are: 609are:
308 610
309=over 4 611=over 4
310 612
311=item EV_READ 613=item C<EV_READ>
312 614
313=item EV_WRITE 615=item C<EV_WRITE>
314 616
315The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 617The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
316writable. 618writable.
317 619
318=item EV_TIMEOUT 620=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
319 621
320The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 622The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
321 623
322=item EV_PERIODIC 624=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
323 625
324The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 626The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
325 627
326=item EV_SIGNAL 628=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
327 629
328The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 630The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
329 631
330=item EV_CHILD 632=item C<EV_CHILD>
331 633
332The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 634The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
333 635
636=item C<EV_STAT>
637
638The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
639
334=item EV_IDLE 640=item C<EV_IDLE>
335 641
336The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 642The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
337 643
338=item EV_PREPARE 644=item C<EV_PREPARE>
339 645
340=item EV_CHECK 646=item C<EV_CHECK>
341 647
342All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 648All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
343to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 649to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
344C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 650C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
345received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 651received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
346many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 652many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
347(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 653(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
348C<ev_loop> from blocking). 654C<ev_loop> from blocking).
349 655
656=item C<EV_EMBED>
657
658The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
659
660=item C<EV_FORK>
661
662The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
663C<ev_fork>).
664
350=item EV_ERROR 665=item C<EV_ERROR>
351 666
352An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 667An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
353happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 668happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
354ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 669ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
355problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 670problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
361with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 676with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
362programs, though, so beware. 677programs, though, so beware.
363 678
364=back 679=back
365 680
681=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
682
683In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
684e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
685
686=over 4
687
688=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
689
690This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
691of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
692the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
693the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
694type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
695which rolls both calls into one.
696
697You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
698(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
699
700The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
701int revents)>.
702
703=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
704
705This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
706call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
707call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
708macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
709difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
710
711Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
712(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
713
714=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
715
716This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
717calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise
718a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
719
720=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
721
722Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
723events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
724
725=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
726
727Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
728status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
729non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but
730C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If
731you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a
732good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
733
734=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
735
736Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
737and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
738it.
739
740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741
742Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
743events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
744is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
748
749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
750
751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
752
753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
754
755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
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>.
797
798=back
799
800
366=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
367 802
368Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 803Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
369and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 804and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
370to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 805to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
371don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 806don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
372member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 807member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
373data: 808data:
374 809
387 { 822 {
388 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 823 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
389 ... 824 ...
390 } 825 }
391 826
392More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 827More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
393have 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 }
394 858
395 859
396=head1 WATCHER TYPES 860=head1 WATCHER TYPES
397 861
398This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 862This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
399information given in the last section. 863information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
864functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
400 865
866Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
867while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
868sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
869watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
870means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
871is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
872sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
873not crash or malfunction in any way.
874
875
401=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 876=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
402 877
403I/O watchers check wether a file descriptor is readable or writable 878I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
404in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 879in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
405level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 880would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
406condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 881some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
407act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 882receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
883the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
884receive future events.
885
886In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
887fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
888descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
889required if you know what you are doing).
890
891You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
892(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
893descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
894to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
895the same underlying "file open").
896
897If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
898(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
899C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
900
901Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
902receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
903be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
904because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
905lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
906this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
907it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
909
910If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
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
937
938=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
408 939
409=over 4 940=over 4
410 941
411=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 942=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
412 943
413=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 944=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
414 945
415Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 946Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
416events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 947rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
417EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 948C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
949
950=item int fd [read-only]
951
952The file descriptor being watched.
953
954=item int events [read-only]
955
956The events being watched.
418 957
419=back 958=back
420 959
960Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
961readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
962attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
963
964 static void
965 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
966 {
967 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
968 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
969 }
970
971 ...
972 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
973 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
974 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
975 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
976 ev_loop (loop, 0);
977
978
421=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 979=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
422 980
423Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 981Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
424given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 982given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
425 983
426The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 984The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
427times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 985times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
428time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 986time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
429detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 987detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
430monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 988monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
989
990The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
991time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
992of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
993you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
994on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
995
996 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
997
998The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
999but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1000order of execution is undefined.
1001
1002=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
431 1003
432=over 4 1004=over 4
433 1005
434=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1006=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
435 1007
441later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1013later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
442 1014
443The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1015The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
444configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1016configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
445exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1017exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
446the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1018the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
447timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1019timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
448 1020
449=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1021=item ev_timer_again (loop)
450 1022
451This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1023This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
452repeating. The exact semantics are: 1024repeating. The exact semantics are:
453 1025
1026If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1027
454If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1028If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
455 1029
456If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1030If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
457value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1031C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
458 1032
459This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1033This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
460example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1034example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
461timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1035timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
462seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1036seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
463configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1037configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
464time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1038C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
465state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1039you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
466the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1040socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1041automatically restart it if need be.
1042
1043That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1044altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1045
1046 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1047 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1048 ...
1049 timer->again = 17.;
1050 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1051 ...
1052 timer->again = 10.;
1053 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1054
1055This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1056you want to modify its timeout value.
1057
1058=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1059
1060The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1061or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1062which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
467 1063
468=back 1064=back
469 1065
470=head2 ev_periodic 1066Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1067
1068 static void
1069 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1070 {
1071 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1072 }
1073
1074 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1075 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1076 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1077
1078Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1079inactivity.
1080
1081 static void
1082 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1083 {
1084 .. ten seconds without any activity
1085 }
1086
1087 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1088 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1089 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1090 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1091
1092 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1093 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1094 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1095
1096
1097=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
471 1098
472Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1099Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
473(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1100(and unfortunately a bit complex).
474 1101
475Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1102Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
476but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1103but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
477to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1104to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
478periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 1105periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
479+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1106+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
480take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 1107take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
481roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1108roughly 10 seconds later).
482again).
483 1109
484They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1110They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
485triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1111triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1112rules.
1113
1114As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1115time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1116during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1117
1118=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
486 1119
487=over 4 1120=over 4
488 1121
489=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1122=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
490 1123
491=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1124=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
492 1125
493Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1126Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
494operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1127operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
495 1128
496
497=over 4 1129=over 4
498 1130
499=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1131=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
500 1132
501In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1133In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
502C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1134C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
503that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1135that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
504system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1136system time reaches or surpasses this time.
505 1137
506=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1138=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
507 1139
508In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1140In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
509C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1141C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
510of any time jumps. 1142and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
511 1143
512This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1144This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
513time: 1145time:
514 1146
515 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1147 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
516 1148
517This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1149This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
518but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1150but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
519full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 1151full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
520by 3600. 1152by 3600.
521 1153
522Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1154Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
523ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1155C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
524time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1156time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
525 1157
1158For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1159C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1160this value.
1161
526=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1162=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
527 1163
528In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1164In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
529ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1165ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
530reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1166reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
531current time as second argument. 1167current time as second argument.
532 1168
533NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 1169NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
534periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 1170ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
535to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 1171return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1172starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
536 1173
537Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1174Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
538ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1175ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
539 1176
540 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1177 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
541 { 1178 {
542 return now + 60.; 1179 return now + 60.;
545It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1182It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
546(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1183(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
547will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1184will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
548might be called at other times, too. 1185might be called at other times, too.
549 1186
1187NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
1188passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
1189
550This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1190This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
551triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1191triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
552next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 1192next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
553is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 1193you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1194reason I omitted it as an example).
554 1195
555=back 1196=back
556 1197
557=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 1198=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
558 1199
559Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1200Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
560when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1201when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
561a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1202a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
562program when the crontabs have changed). 1203program when the crontabs have changed).
563 1204
1205=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1206
1207When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1208absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1209
1210Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1211timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1212
1213=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1214
1215The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1216take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1217called.
1218
1219=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1220
1221The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1222switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1223the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1224
564=back 1225=back
565 1226
1227Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1228system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1229potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1230
1231 static void
1232 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1233 {
1234 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1235 }
1236
1237 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1238 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1239 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1240
1241Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1242
1243 #include <math.h>
1244
1245 static ev_tstamp
1246 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1247 {
1248 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1249 }
1250
1251 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1252
1253Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1254
1255 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1256 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1257 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1258 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1259
1260
566=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1261=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
567 1262
568Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1263Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
569signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1264signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
570will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1265will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
571normal event processing, like any other event. 1266normal event processing, like any other event.
572 1267
573You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1268You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
574first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1269first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
575with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1270with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
576as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1271as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
577watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1272watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
578SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1273SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
579 1274
1275=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1276
580=over 4 1277=over 4
581 1278
582=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1279=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
583 1280
584=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1281=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
585 1282
586Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1283Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
587of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1284of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
588 1285
1286=item int signum [read-only]
1287
1288The signal the watcher watches out for.
1289
589=back 1290=back
590 1291
1292
591=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 1293=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
592 1294
593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1295Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1296some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1297
1298=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
595 1299
596=over 4 1300=over 4
597 1301
598=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1302=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
599 1303
600=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1304=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
601 1305
602Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1306Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
603I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1307I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
604at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1308at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
605the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 1309the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
606contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 1310C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1311process causing the status change.
1312
1313=item int pid [read-only]
1314
1315The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1316
1317=item int rpid [read-write]
1318
1319The process id that detected a status change.
1320
1321=item int rstatus [read-write]
1322
1323The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1324C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
607 1325
608=back 1326=back
609 1327
1328Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1329
1330 static void
1331 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1332 {
1333 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1334 }
1335
1336 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1337 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1338 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1339
1340
1341=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1342
1343This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1344C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1345compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1346
1347The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1348not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1349not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1350otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1351the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1352
1353The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1354relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1355
1356Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1357calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1358can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1359a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1360unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1361five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1362impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1363usually overkill.
1364
1365This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1366as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1367resource-intensive.
1368
1369At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1370implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1371reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1372semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1373to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1374usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1375polling.
1376
1377=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1378
1379=over 4
1380
1381=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1382
1383=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1384
1385Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1386C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1387be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1388a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1389path for as long as the watcher is active.
1390
1391The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1392relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1393last change was detected).
1394
1395=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1396
1397Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1398watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1399detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1400useful simply to find out the new values.
1401
1402=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1403
1404The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1405C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1406suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1407was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1408
1409=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1410
1411The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1412C<prev> != C<attr>.
1413
1414=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1415
1416The specified interval.
1417
1418=item const char *path [read-only]
1419
1420The filesystem path that is being watched.
1421
1422=back
1423
1424Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1425
1426 static void
1427 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1428 {
1429 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1430 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1431 {
1432 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1433 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1434 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1435 }
1436 else
1437 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1438 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1439 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1440 }
1441
1442 ...
1443 ev_stat passwd;
1444
1445 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1446 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1447
1448
610=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 1449=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
611 1450
612Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 1451Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
613periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 1452priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
614handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 1453count).
615is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 1454
1455That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1456(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1457triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1458are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
616stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 1459iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1460and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
617 1461
618The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1462The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
619active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1463active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
620 1464
621Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1465Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
622effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1466effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
623"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1467"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
624event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1468event loop has handled all outstanding events.
625 1469
1470=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1471
626=over 4 1472=over 4
627 1473
628=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1474=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
629 1475
630Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1476Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
631kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1477kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
632believe me. 1478believe me.
633 1479
634=back 1480=back
635 1481
636=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 1482Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1483callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
637 1484
1485 static void
1486 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1487 {
1488 free (w);
1489 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1490 // no longer asnything immediate to do.
1491 }
1492
1493 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1494 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1495 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1496
1497
1498=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1499
638Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 1500Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
639tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 1501prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
640watchers afterwards. 1502afterwards.
641 1503
1504You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1505the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1506watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1507rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1508those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1509C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1510called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1511
642Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 1512Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
643could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 1513their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
644watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 1514variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1515coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1516you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1517in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1518watcher).
645 1519
646This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1520This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
647to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 1521to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
648and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 1522them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
649just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 1523provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
650events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 1524any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
651and call back into the library. 1525and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1526callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1527because you never know, you know?).
652 1528
653As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1529As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
654coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 1530coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
655during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 1531during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
656are ready to run. 1532are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1533with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1534of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1535loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1536low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1537
1538It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1539priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1540after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1541too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1542supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1543their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1544loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1545C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1546others).
1547
1548=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
657 1549
658=over 4 1550=over 4
659 1551
660=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1552=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
661 1553
662=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1554=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
663 1555
664Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 1556Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
665parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1557parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
666macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 1558macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
667 1559
668=back 1560=back
669 1561
1562There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1563into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1564(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1565use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1566embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1567into the Glib event loop).
1568
1569Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1570and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1571is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1572priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1573the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1574
1575 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1576 static ev_timer tw;
1577
1578 static void
1579 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1580 {
1581 }
1582
1583 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1584 static void
1585 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1586 {
1587 int timeout = 3600000;
1588 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1589 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1590 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1591
1592 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1593 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1594 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1595
1596 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1597 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1598 {
1599 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1600 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1601 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1602
1603 fds [i].revents = 0;
1604 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1605 }
1606 }
1607
1608 // stop all watchers after blocking
1609 static void
1610 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1611 {
1612 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1613
1614 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1615 {
1616 // set the relevant poll flags
1617 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1618 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1619 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1620 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1621 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1622
1623 // now stop the watcher
1624 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1625 }
1626
1627 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1628 }
1629
1630Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1631in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1632
1633Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1634notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1635callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1636
1637 static void
1638 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1639 {
1640 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1641 update_now (EV_A);
1642
1643 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1644 }
1645
1646 static void
1647 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1648 {
1649 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1650 update_now (EV_A);
1651
1652 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1653 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1654 }
1655
1656 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1657
1658Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1659want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1660their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1661loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1662this.
1663
1664 static gint
1665 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1666 {
1667 int got_events = 0;
1668
1669 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1670 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1671
1672 if (timeout >= 0)
1673 // create/start timer
1674
1675 // poll
1676 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1677
1678 // stop timer again
1679 if (timeout >= 0)
1680 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1681
1682 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1683 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1684 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1685
1686 return got_events;
1687 }
1688
1689
1690=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1691
1692This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1693into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1694loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1695fashion and must not be used).
1696
1697There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1698prioritise I/O.
1699
1700As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1701sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1702still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1703so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it
1704into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will
1705be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but
1706at least you can use both at what they are best.
1707
1708As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have
1709to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even
1710priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case
1711you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in
1712a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1713
1714As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1715there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1716call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1717their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1718loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback
1719to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the
1720embedded loop sweep.
1721
1722As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The
1723callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can
1724set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1725interested in that.
1726
1727Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1728when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1729but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1730yourself.
1731
1732Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by
1733C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1734portable one.
1735
1736So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1737that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1738this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1739create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything:
1740
1741 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1742 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1743 struct ev_embed embed;
1744
1745 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1746 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1747 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1748 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1749 : 0;
1750
1751 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1752 if (loop_lo)
1753 {
1754 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1755 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1756 }
1757 else
1758 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1759
1760=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1761
1762=over 4
1763
1764=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1765
1766=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1767
1768Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1769embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1770invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1771to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1772if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1773
1774=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1775
1776Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1777similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1778apropriate way for embedded loops.
1779
1780=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1781
1782The embedded event loop.
1783
1784=back
1785
1786
1787=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1788
1789Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1790whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1791C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1792event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1793and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1794C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1795handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1796
1797=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1798
1799=over 4
1800
1801=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1802
1803Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1804kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1805believe me.
1806
1807=back
1808
1809
670=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1810=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
671 1811
672There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 1812There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
673 1813
674=over 4 1814=over 4
675 1815
676=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 1816=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
677 1817
678This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 1818This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
679callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 1819callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
680watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 1820watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
681or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 1821or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
682more watchers yourself. 1822more watchers yourself.
683 1823
684If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 1824If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
685ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 1825is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
686will be craeted and started. 1826C<events> set will be craeted and started.
687 1827
688If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 1828If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
689started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 1829started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
690= 0) will be started. 1830repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1831dubious value.
691 1832
692The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 1833The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
693gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 1834passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
694EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 1835C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1836value passed to C<ev_once>:
695 1837
696 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 1838 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
697 { 1839 {
698 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 1840 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
699 /* doh, nothing entered */ 1841 /* doh, nothing entered */;
700 else if (revents & EV_READ) 1842 else if (revents & EV_READ)
701 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 1843 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
702 } 1844 }
703 1845
704 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 1846 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
705 1847
706=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 1848=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
707 1849
708Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1850Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
709has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 1851had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
710initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 1852initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
711 1853
712=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 1854=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
713 1855
714Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 1856Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1857the given events it.
715 1858
716=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 1859=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
717 1860
718Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 1861Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default
1862loop!).
719 1863
720=back 1864=back
721 1865
1866
1867=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
1868
1869Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
1870emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
1871
1872=over 4
1873
1874=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
1875
1876=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
1877ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
1878
1879=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
1880maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
1881it a private API).
1882
1883=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1884will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1885is an ev_pri field.
1886
1887=item * Other members are not supported.
1888
1889=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1890to use the libev header file and library.
1891
1892=back
1893
1894=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1895
1896Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1897you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1898the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1899
1900To use it,
1901
1902 #include <ev++.h>
1903
1904This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1905of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1906put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1907options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1908
1909Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1910classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1911that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1912you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1913
1914Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1915used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1916need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1917types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1918it).
1919
1920Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1921
1922=over 4
1923
1924=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
1925
1926These are just enum values with the same values as the C<EV_READ> etc.
1927macros from F<ev.h>.
1928
1929=item C<ev::tstamp>, C<ev::now>
1930
1931Aliases to the same types/functions as with the C<ev_> prefix.
1932
1933=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
1934
1935For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
1936the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
1937which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
1938defines by many implementations.
1939
1940All of those classes have these methods:
1941
1942=over 4
1943
1944=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1945
1946=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1947
1948=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1949
1950The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1951with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1952
1953The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1954C<set> method before starting it.
1955
1956It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1957method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1958
1959(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1960not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1961
1962The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1963
1964=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1965
1966This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1967signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1968first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1969parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1970
1971This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1972the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1973callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1974your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1975thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1976
1977Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1978
1979 struct myclass
1980 {
1981 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1982 }
1983
1984 myclass obj;
1985 ev::io iow;
1986 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1987
1988=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1989
1990Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1991callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1992C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1993
1994The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1995
1996See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1997
1998Example:
1999
2000 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2001 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2002
2003=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2004
2005Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2006do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2007
2008=item w->set ([args])
2009
2010Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
2011called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2012automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2013method.
2014
2015=item w->start ()
2016
2017Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2018constructor already stores the event loop.
2019
2020=item w->stop ()
2021
2022Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2023
2024=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only
2025
2026For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
2027C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
2028
2029=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
2030
2031Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2032
2033=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
2034
2035Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
2036
2037=back
2038
2039=back
2040
2041Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2042the constructor.
2043
2044 class myclass
2045 {
2046 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2047 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2048
2049 myclass ();
2050 }
2051
2052 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2053 {
2054 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2055 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2056
2057 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2058 }
2059
2060
2061=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2062
2063Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
2064C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
2065callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2066
2067To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2068following macros are defined:
2069
2070=over 4
2071
2072=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2073
2074This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2075loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2076C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2077
2078 ev_unref (EV_A);
2079 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2080 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2081
2082It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2083which is often provided by the following macro.
2084
2085=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2086
2087This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2088loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2089C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2090
2091 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2092 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2093
2094 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2095 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2096
2097It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2098suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2099
2100=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2101
2102Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2103loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2104
2105=back
2106
2107Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2108macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2109or not.
2110
2111 static void
2112 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2113 {
2114 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2115 }
2116
2117 ev_check check;
2118 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2119 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2120 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2121
2122=head1 EMBEDDING
2123
2124Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2125applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2126Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2127and rxvt-unicode.
2128
2129The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
2130source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2131you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2132libev somewhere in your source tree).
2133
2134=head2 FILESETS
2135
2136Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2137in your app.
2138
2139=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2140
2141To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2142configuration (no autoconf):
2143
2144 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2145 #include "ev.c"
2146
2147This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2148single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2149it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2150done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2151where you can put other configuration options):
2152
2153 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2154 #include "ev.h"
2155
2156Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2157compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2158as a bug).
2159
2160You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2161in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2162
2163 ev.h
2164 ev.c
2165 ev_vars.h
2166 ev_wrap.h
2167
2168 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2169
2170 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2171 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2172 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2173 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2174 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2175
2176F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2177to compile this single file.
2178
2179=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2180
2181To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2182
2183 #include "event.c"
2184
2185in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2186
2187 #include "event.h"
2188
2189in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2190
2191You need the following additional files for this:
2192
2193 event.h
2194 event.c
2195
2196=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2197
2198Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
2199whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2200F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2201include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2202
2203For this of course you need the m4 file:
2204
2205 libev.m4
2206
2207=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2208
2209Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
2210before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
2211and only include the select backend.
2212
2213=over 4
2214
2215=item EV_STANDALONE
2216
2217Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2218keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2219implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2220supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2221F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2222
2223=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2224
2225If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2226monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2227of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2228usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2229the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
2230to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2231function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2232
2233=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2234
2235If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2236realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2237runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2238be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2239(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
2240in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2241
2242=item EV_USE_SELECT
2243
2244If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2245C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2246other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2247will not be compiled in.
2248
2249=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2250
2251If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2252structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2253C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
2254exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2255low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2256allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2257influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2258
2259=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2260
2261When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2262select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2263wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2264be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2265C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2266it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2267on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2268
2269=item EV_USE_POLL
2270
2271If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2272backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2273takes precedence over select.
2274
2275=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2276
2277If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2278C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2279otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
2280preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
2281
2282=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2283
2284If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2285C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2286otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2287backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
2288supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
2289supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
2290not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
2291out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
2292kqueue loop.
2293
2294=item EV_USE_PORT
2295
2296If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
229710 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2298otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2299backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2300
2301=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2302
2303reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2304
2305=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2306
2307If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2308interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2309be detected at runtime.
2310
2311=item EV_H
2312
2313The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2314undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2315can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2316
2317=item EV_CONFIG_H
2318
2319If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2320F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2321C<EV_H>, above.
2322
2323=item EV_EVENT_H
2324
2325Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2326of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2327
2328=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2329
2330If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2331prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2332occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2333around libev functions.
2334
2335=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2336
2337If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2338will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2339additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2340for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2341argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2342
2343=item EV_MINPRI
2344
2345=item EV_MAXPRI
2346
2347The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2348C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2349provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2350to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2351
2352When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2353all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2354and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2355fine.
2356
2357If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2358C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2359
2360=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2361
2362If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2363defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2364code.
2365
2366=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2367
2368If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2369defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2370code.
2371
2372=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2373
2374If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2375defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2376
2377=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2378
2379If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2380defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2381
2382=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2383
2384If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2385defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2386
2387=item EV_MINIMAL
2388
2389If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2390speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2391some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2392
2393=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2394
2395C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2396pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2397than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2398increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2399
2400=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2401
2402C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2403inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2404usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2405watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2406two).
2407
2408=item EV_COMMON
2409
2410By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2411this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2412members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2413though, and it must be identical each time.
2414
2415For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2416
2417 #define EV_COMMON \
2418 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2419 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2420
2421=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2422
2423=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2424
2425=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2426
2427Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2428and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2429definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2430their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2431avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2432method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2433
2434=head2 EXAMPLES
2435
2436For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2437verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2438(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2439the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2440interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2441will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2442file.
2443
2444The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2445that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2446
2447 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2448 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2449 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2450 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2451 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2452 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2453 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2454 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2455 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2456
2457 #include "ev++.h"
2458
2459And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2460
2461 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2462 #include "ev.c"
2463
2464
2465=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2466
2467In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2468libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2469documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2470
2471All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2472extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2473happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2474mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2475it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2476
2477=over 4
2478
2479=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2480
2481This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2482there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2483have to skip those 100 watchers.
2484
2485=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2486
2487That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2488as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2489
2490=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2491
2492These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2493=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2494
2495=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2496
2497These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2498correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2499have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2500
2501=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2502
2503=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2504
2505A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2506libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2507
2508=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2509
2510=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2511
2512Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2513priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2514linearly search all the priorities.
2515
2516=back
2517
2518
722=head1 AUTHOR 2519=head1 AUTHOR
723 2520
724Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2521Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
725 2522

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