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Revision 1.77 by root, Sat Dec 8 22:11:14 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.84 by root, Wed Dec 12 22:26:37 2007 UTC

117 117
118=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
119 119
120=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
121 121
122You 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
123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
124C<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
125symbols 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
126version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
127 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
131not a problem. 134not a problem.
132 135
133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
134version. 137version.
908play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
909whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
910such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
911its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
912 915
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
939
913=over 4 940=over 4
914 941
915=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 942=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
916 943
917=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 944=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
969 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 996 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
970 997
971The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 998The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
972but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 999but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
973order of execution is undefined. 1000order of execution is undefined.
1001
1002=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
974 1003
975=over 4 1004=over 4
976 1005
977=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)
978 1007
1074but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1103but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1075to 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
1076periodic 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 ()
1077+ 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
1078take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1107take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1079roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1108roughly 10 seconds later).
1080again).
1081 1109
1082They 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
1083triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1111triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1112rules.
1084 1113
1085As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1114As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1086time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1115time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1087during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1116during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1088 1117
1118=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1119
1089=over 4 1120=over 4
1090 1121
1091=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)
1092 1123
1093=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)
1095Lots 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
1096operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1127operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1097 1128
1098=over 4 1129=over 4
1099 1130
1100=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1131=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1101 1132
1102In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1133In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1103C<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,
1104that 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
1105system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1136system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1106 1137
1107=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1138=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1108 1139
1109In 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
1110C<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)
1111of any time jumps. 1142and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1112 1143
1113This 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
1114time: 1145time:
1115 1146
1116 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1147 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1122 1153
1123Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1154Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1124C<ev_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
1125time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1156time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1126 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
1127=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1162=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1128 1163
1129In 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
1130ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1165ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1131reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1166reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1132current time as second argument. 1167current time as second argument.
1133 1168
1134NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1169NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1135ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1170ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1136return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1171return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1137starting a prepare watcher). 1172starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1138 1173
1139Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1174Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1140ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1175ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1141 1176
1142 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)
1164 1199
1165Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1200Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1166when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1201when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1167a 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
1168program when the crontabs have changed). 1203program when the crontabs have changed).
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.
1169 1212
1170=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1213=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1171 1214
1172The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1215The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1173take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1216take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1227with 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
1228as 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
1229watcher 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
1230SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1273SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1231 1274
1275=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1276
1232=over 4 1277=over 4
1233 1278
1234=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1279=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1235 1280
1236=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1281=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1247 1292
1248=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1293=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1249 1294
1250Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1295Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1251some 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
1252 1299
1253=over 4 1300=over 4
1254 1301
1255=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1302=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1256 1303
1324reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1371reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1325semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1372semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1326to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1373to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1327usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1374usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1328polling. 1375polling.
1376
1377=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1329 1378
1330=over 4 1379=over 4
1331 1380
1332=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1381=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1333 1382
1416Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1465Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1417effect 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
1418"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1467"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1419event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1468event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1420 1469
1470=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1471
1421=over 4 1472=over 4
1422 1473
1423=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1474=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1424 1475
1425Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1476Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1492their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event 1543their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1493loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 1544loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1494C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 1545C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1495others). 1546others).
1496 1547
1548=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1549
1497=over 4 1550=over 4
1498 1551
1499=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1552=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1500 1553
1501=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1554=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1702 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1755 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1703 } 1756 }
1704 else 1757 else
1705 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1758 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1706 1759
1760=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1761
1707=over 4 1762=over 4
1708 1763
1709=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1764=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1710 1765
1711=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1766=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1737event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1792event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1738and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1793and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1739C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1794C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1740handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1795handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1741 1796
1797=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1798
1742=over 4 1799=over 4
1743 1800
1744=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1801=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1745 1802
1746Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1803Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1962 2019
1963=item w->stop () 2020=item w->stop ()
1964 2021
1965Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2022Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1966 2023
1967=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2024=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1968 2025
1969For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2026For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1970C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2027C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1971 2028
1972=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2029=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1973 2030
1974Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2031Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1975 2032
1976=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2033=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1977 2034
1978Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2035Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1979 2036
1980=back 2037=back
1981 2038
2001 } 2058 }
2002 2059
2003 2060
2004=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2061=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2005 2062
2006Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2063Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2007C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2064of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2008callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2065functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2009 2066
2010To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2067To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2011following macros are defined: 2068following macros are defined:
2012 2069
2013=over 4 2070=over 4

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