ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.60 by root, Wed Nov 28 18:29:30 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.85 by root, Mon Dec 17 07:24:12 2007 UTC

47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
113 117
114=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
115 119
116=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 121
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 134not a problem.
128 135
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 137version.
266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 274override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 275useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
269around bugs. 276around bugs.
270 277
278=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
279
280Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
281a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
282enabling this flag.
283
284This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
285and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
286iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
287Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
288without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
289C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
290
291The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
292forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
293flag.
294
295This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
296environment variable.
297
271=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
272 299
273This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 300This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
274libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 301libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
275but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 302but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
410 437
411Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 438Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
412C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 439C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
413after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
414 441
442=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
443
444Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
445the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
446happily wraps around with enough iterations.
447
448This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
449"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
450C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
451
415=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
416 453
417Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
418use. 455use.
419 456
452libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
453usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
454 491
455Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
456 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
457 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
458 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
459 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
460 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
461 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
462 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
463 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
702=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
703 741
704Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 742Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
705events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 743events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
706is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 744is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
707C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
709 748
710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
711 750
712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
713 752
714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
715 754
716Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
717(modulo threads). 756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
718 797
719=back 798=back
720 799
721 800
722=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
828it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 907it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
829C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
830 909
831If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 910If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
832play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
833wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
834such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
835its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
937
938=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
836 939
837=over 4 940=over 4
838 941
839=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 942=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
840 943
894 997
895The 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,
896but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 999but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
897order of execution is undefined. 1000order of execution is undefined.
898 1001
1002=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1003
899=over 4 1004=over 4
900 1005
901=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)
902 1007
903=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1008=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
916=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1021=item ev_timer_again (loop)
917 1022
918This 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
919repeating. The exact semantics are: 1024repeating. The exact semantics are:
920 1025
1026If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1027
921If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1028If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
922 1029
923If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1030If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
924value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1031C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
925 1032
926This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1033This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
927example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1034example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
928idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1035timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
929say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1036seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
930this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1037configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
931C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1038C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
932you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1039you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
933socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1040socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
934need be. 1041automatically restart it if need be.
935 1042
936You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1043That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
937and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1044altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
938 1045
939 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1046 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
940 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1047 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
941 ... 1048 ...
942 timer->again = 17.; 1049 timer->again = 17.;
943 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1050 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
944 ... 1051 ...
945 timer->again = 10.; 1052 timer->again = 10.;
946 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1053 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
947 1054
948This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1055This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
949to modify its timeout value. 1056you want to modify its timeout value.
950 1057
951=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1058=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
952 1059
953The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1060The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
954or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1061or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
996but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1103but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
997to 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
998periodic 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 ()
999+ 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
1000take 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
1001roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1108roughly 10 seconds later).
1002again).
1003 1109
1004They 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
1005triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1111triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1112rules.
1006 1113
1007As 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
1008time (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
1009during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1116during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1010 1117
1118=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1119
1011=over 4 1120=over 4
1012 1121
1013=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)
1014 1123
1015=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)
1017Lots 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
1018operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1127operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1019 1128
1020=over 4 1129=over 4
1021 1130
1022=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1131=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1023 1132
1024In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1133In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1025C<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,
1026that 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
1027system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1136system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1028 1137
1029=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1138=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1030 1139
1031In 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
1032C<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)
1033of any time jumps. 1142and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1034 1143
1035This 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
1036time: 1145time:
1037 1146
1038 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1147 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1044 1153
1045Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1154Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1046C<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
1047time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1156time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1048 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
1049=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1162=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1050 1163
1051In 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
1052ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1165ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1053reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1166reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1054current time as second argument. 1167current time as second argument.
1055 1168
1056NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1169NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1057ever, 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,
1058return 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
1059starting a prepare watcher). 1172starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1060 1173
1061Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1174Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1062ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1175ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1063 1176
1064 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)
1087Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1200Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1088when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1201when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1089a 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
1090program when the crontabs have changed). 1203program when the crontabs have changed).
1091 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
1092=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1213=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1093 1214
1094The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1215The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1095take 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
1096called. 1217called.
1098=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1219=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1099 1220
1100The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1221The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1101switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1222switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1102the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1223the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1224
1225=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1226
1227When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1228trigger next.
1103 1229
1104=back 1230=back
1105 1231
1106Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1232Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1107system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1233system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1149with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1275with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1150as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1276as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1151watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1277watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1152SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1278SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1153 1279
1280=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1281
1154=over 4 1282=over 4
1155 1283
1156=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1284=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1157 1285
1158=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1286=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1169 1297
1170=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1298=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1171 1299
1172Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1300Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1173some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1301some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1302
1303=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1304
1175=over 4 1305=over 4
1176 1306
1177=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1307=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1178 1308
1246reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1376reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1247semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1377semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1248to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1378to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1249usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1379usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1250polling. 1380polling.
1381
1382=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1251 1383
1252=over 4 1384=over 4
1253 1385
1254=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1386=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1255 1387
1319 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1451 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1320 1452
1321 1453
1322=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1454=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1323 1455
1324Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1456Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1325(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1457priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1326as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1458count).
1327imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1459
1328watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1460That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1461(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1462triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1463are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1329until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1464iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1330busy. 1465and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1331 1466
1332The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1467The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1333active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1468active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1334 1469
1335Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1470Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1336effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1471effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1337"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1472"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1338event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1473event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1474
1475=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1339 1476
1340=over 4 1477=over 4
1341 1478
1342=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1479=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1343 1480
1401with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1538with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1402of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1539of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1403loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1540loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1404low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1541low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1405 1542
1543It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1544priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1545after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1546too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1547supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1548their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1549loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1550C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1551others).
1552
1553=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1554
1406=over 4 1555=over 4
1407 1556
1408=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1557=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1409 1558
1410=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1559=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1413parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1562parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1414macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1563macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1415 1564
1416=back 1565=back
1417 1566
1418Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1567There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1419and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1568into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1569(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1570use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1571embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1572into the Glib event loop).
1573
1574Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1420in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1575and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1421pseudo-code only of course: 1576is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1577priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1578the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1422 1579
1423 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1580 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1424 static ev_timer tw; 1581 static ev_timer tw;
1425 1582
1426 static void 1583 static void
1427 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1584 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1428 { 1585 {
1429 // set the relevant poll flags
1430 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1431 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1432 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1433 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1434 } 1586 }
1435 1587
1436 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1588 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1437 static void 1589 static void
1438 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1590 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1439 { 1591 {
1440 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1592 int timeout = 3600000;
1593 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1441 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1594 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1442 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1595 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1443 1596
1444 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1597 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1445 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1598 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1446 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1599 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1447 1600
1448 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1601 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1449 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1602 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1450 { 1603 {
1451 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1604 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1452 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1605 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1453 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1606 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1454 1607
1455 fds [i].revents = 0; 1608 fds [i].revents = 0;
1456 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1457 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1609 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1458 } 1610 }
1459 } 1611 }
1460 1612
1461 // stop all watchers after blocking 1613 // stop all watchers after blocking
1463 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1615 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1464 { 1616 {
1465 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1617 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1466 1618
1467 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1619 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1620 {
1621 // set the relevant poll flags
1622 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1623 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1624 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1625 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1626 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1627
1628 // now stop the watcher
1468 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1629 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1630 }
1469 1631
1470 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1632 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1633 }
1634
1635Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1636in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1637
1638Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1639notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1640callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1641
1642 static void
1643 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1644 {
1645 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1646 update_now (EV_A);
1647
1648 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1649 }
1650
1651 static void
1652 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1653 {
1654 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1655 update_now (EV_A);
1656
1657 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1658 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1659 }
1660
1661 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1662
1663Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1664want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1665their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1666loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1667this.
1668
1669 static gint
1670 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1671 {
1672 int got_events = 0;
1673
1674 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1675 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1676
1677 if (timeout >= 0)
1678 // create/start timer
1679
1680 // poll
1681 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1682
1683 // stop timer again
1684 if (timeout >= 0)
1685 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1686
1687 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1688 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1689 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1690
1691 return got_events;
1471 } 1692 }
1472 1693
1473 1694
1474=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1695=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1475 1696
1539 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1760 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1540 } 1761 }
1541 else 1762 else
1542 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1763 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1543 1764
1765=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1766
1544=over 4 1767=over 4
1545 1768
1546=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1769=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1547 1770
1548=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1771=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1574event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1797event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1575and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1798and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1576C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1799C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1577handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1800handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1578 1801
1802=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1803
1579=over 4 1804=over 4
1580 1805
1581=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1806=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1582 1807
1583Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1808Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1679 1904
1680To use it, 1905To use it,
1681 1906
1682 #include <ev++.h> 1907 #include <ev++.h>
1683 1908
1684(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1909This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1685and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1910of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1686namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1911put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1912options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1687 1913
1688It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1914Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1689C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1915classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1916that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1917you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1918
1919Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1920used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1921need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1922types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1923it).
1690 1924
1691Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1925Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1692 1926
1693=over 4 1927=over 4
1694 1928
1710 1944
1711All of those classes have these methods: 1945All of those classes have these methods:
1712 1946
1713=over 4 1947=over 4
1714 1948
1715=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1949=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1716 1950
1717=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1951=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1718 1952
1719=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1953=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1720 1954
1721The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1955The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1722the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1956with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1723C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1957
1724before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1958The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1725automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1959C<set> method before starting it.
1960
1961It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1962method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1963
1964(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1965not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1726 1966
1727The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1967The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1968
1969=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1970
1971This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1972signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1973first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1974parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1975
1976This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1977the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1978callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1979your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1980thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1981
1982Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1983
1984 struct myclass
1985 {
1986 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1987 }
1988
1989 myclass obj;
1990 ev::io iow;
1991 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1992
1993=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1994
1995Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1996callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1997C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1998
1999The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2000
2001See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2002
2003Example:
2004
2005 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2006 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1728 2007
1729=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2008=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1730 2009
1731Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2010Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1732do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2011do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1733 2012
1734=item w->set ([args]) 2013=item w->set ([args])
1735 2014
1736Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2015Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1737called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2016called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1738automatically stopped and restarted. 2017automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2018method.
1739 2019
1740=item w->start () 2020=item w->start ()
1741 2021
1742Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2022Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1743constructor already takes the loop. 2023constructor already stores the event loop.
1744 2024
1745=item w->stop () 2025=item w->stop ()
1746 2026
1747Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2027Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1748 2028
1749=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2029=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1750 2030
1751For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2031For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1752C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2032C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1753 2033
1754=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2034=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1755 2035
1756Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2036Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1757 2037
1758=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2038=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1759 2039
1760Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2040Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1761 2041
1762=back 2042=back
1763 2043
1773 2053
1774 myclass (); 2054 myclass ();
1775 } 2055 }
1776 2056
1777 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2057 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1778 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1779 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1780 { 2058 {
2059 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2060 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2061
1781 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2062 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1782 } 2063 }
1783 2064
1784 2065
1785=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2066=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1786 2067
1787Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2068Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1788C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2069of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1789callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2070functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1790 2071
1791To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2072To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1792following macros are defined: 2073following macros are defined:
1793 2074
1794=over 4 2075=over 4
1826Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2107Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1827loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2108loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1828 2109
1829=back 2110=back
1830 2111
1831Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2112Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1832wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2113macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2114or not.
1833 2115
1834 static void 2116 static void
1835 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2117 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1836 { 2118 {
1837 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2119 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1839 2121
1840 ev_check check; 2122 ev_check check;
1841 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2123 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1842 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2124 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1843 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2125 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1844
1845 2126
1846=head1 EMBEDDING 2127=head1 EMBEDDING
1847 2128
1848Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2129Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1849applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2130applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1889 ev_vars.h 2170 ev_vars.h
1890 ev_wrap.h 2171 ev_wrap.h
1891 2172
1892 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2173 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1893 2174
1894 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2175 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1895 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2176 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1896 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2177 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1897 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2178 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1898 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2179 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1899 2180
2062will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2343will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2063additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2344additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2064for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2345for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2065argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2346argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2066 2347
2348=item EV_MINPRI
2349
2350=item EV_MAXPRI
2351
2352The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2353C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2354provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2355to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2356
2357When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2358all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2359and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2360fine.
2361
2362If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2363C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2364
2067=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2365=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2068 2366
2069If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2367If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2368defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2369code.
2370
2371=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2372
2373If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2070defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2374defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2071code. 2375code.
2072 2376
2073=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2377=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2074 2378
2141interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2445interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2142will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2446will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2143file. 2447file.
2144 2448
2145The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2449The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2146that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2450that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2147 2451
2452 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2148 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2453 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2149 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2454 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2150 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2455 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2456 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2457 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2151 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2458 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2459 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2460 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2152 2461
2153 #include "ev++.h" 2462 #include "ev++.h"
2154 2463
2155And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2464And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2156 2465
2162 2471
2163In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2472In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2164libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2473libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2165documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2474documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2166 2475
2476All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2477extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2478happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2479mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2480it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2481
2167=over 4 2482=over 4
2168 2483
2169=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2484=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2170 2485
2486This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2487there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2488have to skip those 100 watchers.
2489
2171=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2490=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2172 2491
2492That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2493as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2494
2173=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2495=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2174 2496
2497These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2175=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2498=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2176 2499
2177=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2500=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2178 2501
2502These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2503correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2504have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2505
2179=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2506=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2180 2507
2181=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2508=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2182 2509
2510A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2511libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2512
2183=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2513=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2184 2514
2515=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2516
2517Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2518priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2519linearly search all the priorities.
2520
2185=back 2521=back
2186 2522
2187 2523
2188=head1 AUTHOR 2524=head1 AUTHOR
2189 2525

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines