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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 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
63communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
68watcher. 82watcher.
69 83
70=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
71 85
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
82 96
83It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
114=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 150=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
115 151
116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
118you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
119 161
120=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
121 163
122=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
123 165
158=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
159 201
160Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
161recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
162returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
163most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
164(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
165libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
166 208
167=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
168 210
175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
176 218
177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
178 220
179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
184function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
185 230
186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
187free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
188or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
189 234
190Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
191retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
192 237
193 static void * 238 static void *
194 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
195 { 240 {
196 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
207 ... 252 ...
208 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
209 254
210=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
211 256
212Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
213as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
214indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
215callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
216matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
217requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
218(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
219 264
220Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
235 280
236An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
237types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
238events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
239 284
240If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
241in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
242create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
243whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
244threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
245done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
246
247=over 4 285=over 4
248 286
249=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
250 288
251This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
254flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
255 293
256If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
257function. 295function.
258 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
259The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
260backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
261 310
262The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
263 312
268The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
269thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
270 319
271=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
272 321
273If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
274or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
276override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
277useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
278around bugs. 327around bugs.
284enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
285 334
286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
290without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292 341
293The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
294forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295flag. 344flag.
296 345
297This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298environment variable. 347environment variable.
299 348
300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
301 350
302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
303libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
305using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
306the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
307 363
308=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
309 365
310And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
311select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
312number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 368limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips.
314 372
315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
316 374
317For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
319O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
320either O(1) or O(active_fds). 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup.
321 382
322While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
323result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
324(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
325best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
326well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
327 388
328Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
329need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
330(or space) is available. 391(or space) is available.
331 392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
396
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far.
399
332=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
333 401
334Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
335was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
336anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
337completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
338unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
339C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
408system like NetBSD.
409
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
340 413
341It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
342kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
343course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
344extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
345incident, so its best to avoid that. 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
428sockets.
346 429
347=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
348 431
349This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
434and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
435immensely.
350 436
351=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
352 438
353This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
354it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
355 441
356Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
357notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
358blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better.
450
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
359 454
360=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
361 456
362Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
363with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
364C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 459C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
365 460
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462
366=back 463=back
367 464
368If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
369backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
370specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
371order of their flag values :)
372 468
373The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
374 470
375 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
376 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
391Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
393handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
394undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
395 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
396Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
397 497
398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
400 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
402=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
403 503
404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
405etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
406sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
409the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
410for example). 510for example).
511
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
514would need to be stopped manually.
515
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
411 520
412=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 521=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
413 522
414Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 523Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
415earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 524earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
416 525
417=item ev_default_fork () 526=item ev_default_fork ()
418 527
528This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
419This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 529to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
420one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 530name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
421after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 531the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
422again makes little sense). 532sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
533functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
423 534
424You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 535On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
425only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 536process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
426fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 537you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
427 538
428The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 539The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
429it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 540it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
430quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 541quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
431 542
432 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 543 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
433 544
434At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
435without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
436do not need to care.
437
438=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 545=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
439 546
440Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
441C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
442after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
443 554
444=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445 556
446Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
447the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
460 571
461Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 572Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
462received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
463change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
464time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
465event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
466 577
467=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
468 579
469Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
470after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
482A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
483those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
484case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
485 596
486A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
487neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
488your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
489one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
490external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
491libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
492usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
493 604
494Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
495 606
496 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
497 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
498 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 609 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
499 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
500 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 612 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
501 - Update the "event loop time". 613 - Update the "event loop time".
502 - Calculate for how long to block. 614 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
615 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
616 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
617 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
503 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 618 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
504 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 619 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
505 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 620 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
506 - Queue all outstanding timers. 621 - Queue all outstanding timers.
507 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 622 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
508 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 623 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
509 - Queue all check watchers. 624 - Queue all check watchers.
510 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 625 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
511 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 626 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
512 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 627 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
513 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 628 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
514 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 629 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
630 continue with step *.
515 631
516Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 632Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
517anymore. 633anymore.
518 634
519 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 635 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
520 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 636 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
521 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 637 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
525 641
526Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 642Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
527has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 643has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
528C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 644C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
529C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 645C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
646
647This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
530 648
531=item ev_ref (loop) 649=item ev_ref (loop)
532 650
533=item ev_unref (loop) 651=item ev_unref (loop)
534 652
539returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 657returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
540example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 658example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
541visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 659visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
542no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 660no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
543way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 661way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
544libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 662libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
663(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
664respectively).
545 665
546Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
547running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
548 668
549 struct ev_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
553 673
554Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
555 675
556 ev_ref (loop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
557 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
678
679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
680
681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
682
683These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
684for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
685invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
686
687Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
688allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
689increase efficiency of loop iterations.
690
691The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
692handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
693the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
694events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
695overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
696
697By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
698time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
699at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
700C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
701introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
702
703Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
705latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
707any overhead in libev.
708
709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
710interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
711interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
712usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
714
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
721
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent.
558 725
559=back 726=back
560 727
561 728
562=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 729=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
582watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
583although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
584 751
585Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
586(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
587callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
588watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
589is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
590 757
591Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
592with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
662=item C<EV_FORK> 829=item C<EV_FORK>
663 830
664The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 831The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
665C<ev_fork>). 832C<ev_fork>).
666 833
834=item C<EV_ASYNC>
835
836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
837
667=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
668 839
669An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
670happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
671ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
672problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
673with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
674 845
675Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
676for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
677your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
678with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
679programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
680 851
681=back 852=back
682 853
683=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
713Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
714(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
715 886
716=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
717 888
718This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
719calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
720a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
721 892
722=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 894
724Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
888In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1059In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
889fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1060fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
890descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1061descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
891required if you know what you are doing). 1062required if you know what you are doing).
892 1063
893You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
894(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
895descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
896to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
897the same underlying "file open").
898
899If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1064If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
900(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1065(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
901C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1066C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
902 1067
903Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
904receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
905be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
906because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
907lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
908this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
909it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
910C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
911 1076
912If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
913play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
914whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
915such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
916its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
917 1082
918=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919 1084
920Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1085Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1086descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
922such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1087such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1088descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1089this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1090registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
934 1099
935This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that 1100This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave 1101the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937optimisations to libev. 1102optimisations to libev.
938 1103
1104=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1105
1106Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1107but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1108have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1109events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1110
1111There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1112for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1113C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1114
1115=head3 The special problem of fork
1116
1117Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1118useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1119it in the child.
1120
1121To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1122C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1123enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1124C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1125
1126=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1127
1128While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1129when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1130gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1131programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1132undesirable.
1133
1134So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1135ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1136somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1137
939 1138
940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1139=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
941 1140
942=over 4 1141=over 4
943 1142
944=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
945 1144
946=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
947 1146
948Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
949rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
950C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
951 1150
952=item int fd [read-only] 1151=item int fd [read-only]
953 1152
954The file descriptor being watched. 1153The file descriptor being watched.
956=item int events [read-only] 1155=item int events [read-only]
957 1156
958The events being watched. 1157The events being watched.
959 1158
960=back 1159=back
1160
1161=head3 Examples
961 1162
962Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
963readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
964attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
965 1166
982 1183
983Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
984given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
985 1186
986The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
987times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
988time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
989detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
990monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
991 1192
992The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
993time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1194time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
995you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
996on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
997 1198
998 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
999 1200
1000The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1001but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1002order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
1003 1204
1004=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1005 1206
1007 1208
1008=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1209=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1009 1210
1010=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1211=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1011 1212
1012Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1213Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1013C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1214is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1014timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1215reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1015later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1216configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1217until stopped manually.
1016 1218
1017The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1219The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1018configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1220you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1019exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1221trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1020the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1222keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1021timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1223do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1022 1224
1023=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1225=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1024 1226
1025This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1026repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
1027 1229
1028If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1029 1231
1030If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1031 1233
1032If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1033C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1034 1236
1035This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1036example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1238example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1037timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1038seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1039configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1040C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1041you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1063or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1265or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1064which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1266which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1065 1267
1066=back 1268=back
1067 1269
1270=head3 Examples
1271
1068Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1069 1273
1070 static void 1274 static void
1071 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1072 { 1276 {
1100 1304
1101Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1102(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1103 1307
1104Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1105but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1106to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1107periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1108+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1109take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1110roughly 10 seconds later). 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1111 1316
1112They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1113triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1114rules. 1319complicated, rules.
1115 1320
1116As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1117time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1118during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1119 1324
1120=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1121 1326
1122=over 4 1327=over 4
1130 1335
1131=over 4 1336=over 4
1132 1337
1133=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1134 1339
1135In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1136C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1137that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1138system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1139 1344
1140=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1141 1346
1142In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1347In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1143C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1348C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1144and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1349and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1145 1350
1146This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1351This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1147time: 1352time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1353the hour:
1148 1354
1149 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1150 1356
1151This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1152but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1153full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1154by 3600. 1360by 3600.
1155 1361
1156Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1157C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1158time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1364time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1159 1365
1160For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1161C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1162this value. 1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1163 1374
1164=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1165 1376
1166In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1167ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1378ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1168reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1379reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1169current time as second argument. 1380current time as second argument.
1170 1381
1171NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1382NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1172ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1383ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1173return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1174starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1175 1384
1385If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1386it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1387only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1388
1176Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1389The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1177ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1390*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1178 1391
1179 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1392 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1180 { 1393 {
1181 return now + 60.; 1394 return now + 60.;
1182 } 1395 }
1184It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1397It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1185(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1398(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1186will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1399will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1187might be called at other times, too. 1400might be called at other times, too.
1188 1401
1189NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1402NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1190passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1403equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1191 1404
1192This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1405This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1193triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1406triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1194next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1407next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1195you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1408you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1196reason I omitted it as an example). 1409reason I omitted it as an example).
1197 1410
1198=back 1411=back
1202Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1415Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1203when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1416when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1204a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1417a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1205program when the crontabs have changed). 1418program when the crontabs have changed).
1206 1419
1420=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1421
1422When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1423trigger next.
1424
1207=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1425=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1208 1426
1209When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1427When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1210absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1428absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1211 1429
1222 1440
1223The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1441The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1224switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1442switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1225the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1443the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1226 1444
1227=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1228
1229When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230trigger next.
1231
1232=back 1445=back
1446
1447=head3 Examples
1233 1448
1234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1235system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1236potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1237 1452
1238 static void 1453 static void
1239 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1240 { 1455 {
1241 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1492with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1278as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1279watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1280SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1281 1496
1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1502
1282=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283 1504
1284=over 4 1505=over 4
1285 1506
1286=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1507=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1294 1515
1295The signal the watcher watches out for. 1516The signal the watcher watches out for.
1296 1517
1297=back 1518=back
1298 1519
1520=head3 Examples
1521
1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1523
1524 static void
1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1526 {
1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1528 }
1529
1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1533
1299 1534
1300=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1301 1536
1302Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1303some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1538some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1542
1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1545
1546=head3 Process Interaction
1547
1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1553children, even ones not watched.
1554
1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1556
1557Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1558processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1559handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1560C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1561default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1562event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1563that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1304 1564
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1565=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306 1566
1307=over 4 1567=over 4
1308 1568
1309=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1569=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1310 1570
1311=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1571=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1312 1572
1313Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1573Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1314I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1574I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1315at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1575at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1316the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1576the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1317C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1577C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1318process causing the status change. 1578process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1579activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1580activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1319 1581
1320=item int pid [read-only] 1582=item int pid [read-only]
1321 1583
1322The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1584The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1323 1585
1330The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1592The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1331C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1593C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1332 1594
1333=back 1595=back
1334 1596
1335Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1597=head3 Examples
1598
1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1600its completion.
1601
1602 ev_child cw;
1336 1603
1337 static void 1604 static void
1338 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1339 { 1606 {
1340 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1341 } 1609 }
1342 1610
1343 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1344 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1612
1345 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1613 if (pid < 0)
1614 // error
1615 else if (pid == 0)
1616 {
1617 // the forked child executes here
1618 exit (1);
1619 }
1620 else
1621 {
1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1624 }
1346 1625
1347 1626
1348=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1349 1628
1350This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1351C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1352compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1353 1632
1354The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1355not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1373as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1652as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1374resource-intensive. 1653resource-intensive.
1375 1654
1376At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1655At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1377implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1656implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1657reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1378reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1658semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1379semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1659not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1380to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1660sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1381usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1661but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1382polling. 1662will be no polling.
1663
1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1665
1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1668disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1673most noticeably with ev_stat and large file support.
1674
1675=head3 Inotify
1676
1677When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1678available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1679change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1680when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1681
1682Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1683except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1684making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1685there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1686
1687(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1688implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1689descriptor open on the object at all times).
1690
1691=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1692
1693The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1694even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1695only support whole seconds.
1696
1697That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1698easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1699calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1700within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1701data does not change.
1702
1703The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1704than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1705a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1706ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1707
1708The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1709of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1710might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1711C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1712a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1713update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1714the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1715the timer callback).
1383 1716
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1717=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1385 1718
1386=over 4 1719=over 4
1387 1720
1393C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1726C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1394be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1727be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1395a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1728a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1396path for as long as the watcher is active. 1729path for as long as the watcher is active.
1397 1730
1398The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1731The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1399relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1732to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1400last change was detected). 1733was detected).
1401 1734
1402=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1735=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1403 1736
1404Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1737Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1405watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1738watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1406detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1739detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1407useful simply to find out the new values. 1740the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1741new values.
1408 1742
1409=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1743=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1410 1744
1411The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1745The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1412C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1746C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1413suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1747suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1748members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1414was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1749some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1415 1750
1416=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1751=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1417 1752
1418The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1753The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1419C<prev> != C<attr>. 1754C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1755differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1756C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1420 1757
1421=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1758=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1422 1759
1423The specified interval. 1760The specified interval.
1424 1761
1425=item const char *path [read-only] 1762=item const char *path [read-only]
1426 1763
1427The filesystem path that is being watched. 1764The file system path that is being watched.
1428 1765
1429=back 1766=back
1767
1768=head3 Examples
1430 1769
1431Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1770Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1432 1771
1433 static void 1772 static void
1434 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1773 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1447 } 1786 }
1448 1787
1449 ... 1788 ...
1450 ev_stat passwd; 1789 ev_stat passwd;
1451 1790
1452 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1791 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1453 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1792 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1793
1794Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1795miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1796one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1797C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1798
1799 static ev_stat passwd;
1800 static ev_timer timer;
1801
1802 static void
1803 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1804 {
1805 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1806
1807 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1808 }
1809
1810 static void
1811 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1812 {
1813 /* reset the one-second timer */
1814 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1815 }
1816
1817 ...
1818 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1819 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1820 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1454 1821
1455 1822
1456=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1823=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1457 1824
1458Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1825Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1484kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1851kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1485believe me. 1852believe me.
1486 1853
1487=back 1854=back
1488 1855
1856=head3 Examples
1857
1489Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1858Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1490callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1859callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1491 1860
1492 static void 1861 static void
1493 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1862 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1494 { 1863 {
1495 free (w); 1864 free (w);
1496 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1865 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1497 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1866 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1498 } 1867 }
1499 1868
1500 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1869 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1501 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1870 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1502 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1871 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1526 1895
1527This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1896This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1528to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1897to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1529them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1898them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1530provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1899provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1531any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1900any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1532and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1901and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1533callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1902callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1534because you never know, you know?). 1903because you never know, you know?).
1535 1904
1536As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1905As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1544 1913
1545It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1914It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1915priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1547after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1916after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1548too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1917too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1549supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did 1918supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1550their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event 1919did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1551loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 1920(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1552C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 1921state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1553others). 1922coexist peacefully with others).
1554 1923
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1924=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 1925
1557=over 4 1926=over 4
1558 1927
1564parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1933parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1565macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1934macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1566 1935
1567=back 1936=back
1568 1937
1938=head3 Examples
1939
1569There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1940There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1570into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1941into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1942(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1943use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1573embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1944Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1574into the Glib event loop). 1945Glib event loop).
1575 1946
1576Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1947Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1577and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1948and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1578is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1949is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1579priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1950priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1636 2007
1637Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2008Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1638in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2009in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1639 2010
1640Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2011Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1641notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2012notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1642callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2013callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1643 2014
1644 static void 2015 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2016 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 { 2017 {
1661 } 2032 }
1662 2033
1663 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2034 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1664 2035
1665Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2036Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1666want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2037want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1667their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2038their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1668loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2039loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1669this. 2040this.
1670 2041
1671 static gint 2042 static gint
1741portable one. 2112portable one.
1742 2113
1743So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2114So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1744that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2115that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1745this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2116this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1746create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2117create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2118
2119=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2120
2121=over 4
2122
2123=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2124
2125=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2126
2127Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2128embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2129invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2130to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2132
2133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2134
2135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2136similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2137appropriate way for embedded loops.
2138
2139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2140
2141The embedded event loop.
2142
2143=back
2144
2145=head3 Examples
2146
2147Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2148event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2149loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2150C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2151used).
1747 2152
1748 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2153 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1749 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2154 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1750 struct ev_embed embed; 2155 struct ev_embed embed;
1751 2156
1762 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2167 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1763 } 2168 }
1764 else 2169 else
1765 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2170 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1766 2171
1767=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2172Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2173a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2174kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2175C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1768 2176
1769=over 4 2177 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2178 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2179 struct ev_embed embed;
2180
2181 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2182 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2183 {
2184 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2185 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2186 }
1770 2187
1771=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2188 if (!loop_socket)
2189 loop_socket = loop;
1772 2190
1773=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2191 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1774
1775Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1776embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1777invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1778to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1779if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1780
1781=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1782
1783Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1784similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1785apropriate way for embedded loops.
1786
1787=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1788
1789The embedded event loop.
1790
1791=back
1792 2192
1793 2193
1794=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2194=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1795 2195
1796Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2196Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1812believe me. 2212believe me.
1813 2213
1814=back 2214=back
1815 2215
1816 2216
2217=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2218
2219In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2220asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2221loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2222
2223Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2224control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2225C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2226can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2227safe.
2228
2229This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2230too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2231(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2232C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2233
2234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2235just the default loop.
2236
2237=head3 Queueing
2238
2239C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2240is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2241multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2242need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2243
2244That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2245queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2246queue:
2247
2248=over 4
2249
2250=item queueing from a signal handler context
2251
2252To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2253handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2254some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2255
2256 static ev_async mysig;
2257
2258 static void
2259 sigusr1_handler (void)
2260 {
2261 sometype data;
2262
2263 // no locking etc.
2264 queue_put (data);
2265 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2266 }
2267
2268 static void
2269 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2270 {
2271 sometype data;
2272 sigset_t block, prev;
2273
2274 sigemptyset (&block);
2275 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2276 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2277
2278 while (queue_get (&data))
2279 process (data);
2280
2281 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2282 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2283 }
2284
2285(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2286instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2287either...).
2288
2289=item queueing from a thread context
2290
2291The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2292threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2293employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2294
2295 static ev_async mysig;
2296 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2297
2298 static void
2299 otherthread (void)
2300 {
2301 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2302 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2303 queue_put (data);
2304 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2305
2306 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2307 }
2308
2309 static void
2310 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2311 {
2312 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2313
2314 while (queue_get (&data))
2315 process (data);
2316
2317 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2318 }
2319
2320=back
2321
2322
2323=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2324
2325=over 4
2326
2327=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2328
2329Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2330kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2331believe me.
2332
2333=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2334
2335Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2336an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2337C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2338similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2339section below on what exactly this means).
2340
2341This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2342so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2343calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2344
2345=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2346
2347Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2348watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2349event loop.
2350
2351C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2352the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2353it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2354quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2355
2356Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2357whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2358
2359=back
2360
2361
1817=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2362=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1818 2363
1819There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2364There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1820 2365
1821=over 4 2366=over 4
1828or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2373or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1829more watchers yourself. 2374more watchers yourself.
1830 2375
1831If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2376If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1832is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2377is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1833C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2378C<events> set will be created and started.
1834 2379
1835If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2380If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1836started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2381started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1837repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2382repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1838dubious value. 2383dubious value.
1863Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2408Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1864the given events it. 2409the given events it.
1865 2410
1866=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2411=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1867 2412
1868Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2413Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1869loop!). 2414loop!).
1870 2415
1871=back 2416=back
1872 2417
1873 2418
1889 2434
1890=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2435=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1891will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2436will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1892is an ev_pri field. 2437is an ev_pri field.
1893 2438
2439=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2440first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2441
1894=item * Other members are not supported. 2442=item * Other members are not supported.
1895 2443
1896=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2444=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1897to use the libev header file and library. 2445to use the libev header file and library.
1898 2446
1899=back 2447=back
1900 2448
1901=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2449=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1902 2450
1903Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2451Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1904you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2452you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1905the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2453the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1906 2454
1907To use it, 2455To use it,
1908 2456
1909 #include <ev++.h> 2457 #include <ev++.h>
2010=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2558=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2011 2559
2012Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2560Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2013do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2561do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2014 2562
2015=item w->set ([args]) 2563=item w->set ([arguments])
2016 2564
2017Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2565Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2018called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2566called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2019automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2567automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2020method. 2568method.
2021 2569
2022=item w->start () 2570=item w->start ()
2048Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2596Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2049the constructor. 2597the constructor.
2050 2598
2051 class myclass 2599 class myclass
2052 { 2600 {
2053 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2601 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2054 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2602 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2055 2603
2056 myclass (); 2604 myclass (int fd)
2057 }
2058
2059 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2060 { 2605 {
2061 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2606 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2607 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063 2608
2064 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2609 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2610 }
2065 } 2611 };
2612
2613
2614=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2615
2616Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2617number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2618any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2619me a note.
2620
2621=over 4
2622
2623=item Perl
2624
2625The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2626libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2627there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2628to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2629C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2630
2631It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2632L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2633
2634=item Ruby
2635
2636Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2637of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2638more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2639L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2640
2641=item D
2642
2643Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2644be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2645
2646=back
2066 2647
2067 2648
2068=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2649=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2069 2650
2070Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2651Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2071of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2652of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2072functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2653functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2073 2654
2074To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2655To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2075following macros are defined: 2656following macros are defined:
2106 2687
2107=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2688=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2108 2689
2109Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2690Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2110loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2691loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2692
2693=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2694
2695Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2696default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2697is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2698execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2699
2700It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2701watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2111 2702
2112=back 2703=back
2113 2704
2114Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2705Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2115macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2706macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2131Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2722Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2132applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2723applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2133Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2724Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2134and rxvt-unicode. 2725and rxvt-unicode.
2135 2726
2136The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2727The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2137source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2728source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2138you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2729you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2139libev somewhere in your source tree). 2730libev somewhere in your source tree).
2140 2731
2141=head2 FILESETS 2732=head2 FILESETS
2142 2733
2143Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2734Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2144in your app. 2735in your application.
2145 2736
2146=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2737=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2147 2738
2148To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2739To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2149configuration (no autoconf): 2740configuration (no autoconf):
2200 event.h 2791 event.h
2201 event.c 2792 event.c
2202 2793
2203=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2794=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2204 2795
2205Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2796Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2206whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2797whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2207F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2798F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2208include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2799include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2209 2800
2210For this of course you need the m4 file: 2801For this of course you need the m4 file:
2211 2802
2212 libev.m4 2803 libev.m4
2213 2804
2214=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2805=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2215 2806
2216Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2807Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2217before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2808define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2218and only include the select backend. 2809autoconf is noted for every option.
2219 2810
2220=over 4 2811=over 4
2221 2812
2222=item EV_STANDALONE 2813=item EV_STANDALONE
2223 2814
2228F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2819F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2229 2820
2230=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2821=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2231 2822
2232If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2823If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2233monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2824monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2234of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2825of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2235usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2826usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2236the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2827the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2237to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2828to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2238function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2829function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2239 2830
2240=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2831=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2241 2832
2242If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2833If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2243realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2834real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2244runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2835runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2245be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2836be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2246(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2837(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2247in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2838note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2839
2840=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2841
2842If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2843and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2844
2845=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2846
2847If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2848available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2849C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2850If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2248 2852
2249=item EV_USE_SELECT 2853=item EV_USE_SELECT
2250 2854
2251If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2855If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2252C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2856C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2253other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2857other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2254will not be compiled in. 2858will not be compiled in.
2255 2859
2256=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2860=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2257 2861
2258If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2862If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2259structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2863structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2260C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2864C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2261exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2865exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2262low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2866low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2263allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2867allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2264influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2868influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2265 2869
2271be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2875be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2272C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2876C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2273it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2877it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2274on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2878on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2275 2879
2880=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2881
2882If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2883file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2884default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2885correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2886in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2887
2276=item EV_USE_POLL 2888=item EV_USE_POLL
2277 2889
2278If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2890If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2279backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2891backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2280takes precedence over select. 2892takes precedence over select.
2281 2893
2282=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2894=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2283 2895
2284If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2896If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2285C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2897C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2286otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2898otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2287preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2899backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2900headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2288 2901
2289=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2902=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2290 2903
2291If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2904If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2292C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2905C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2305otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2918otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2306backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2919backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2307 2920
2308=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2921=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2309 2922
2310reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2923Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2311 2924
2312=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2925=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2313 2926
2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2927If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2315interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2928interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2316be detected at runtime. 2929be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2930indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2931
2932=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2933
2934Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2935access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2936type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2937that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2938as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2939
2940In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2941(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2317 2942
2318=item EV_H 2943=item EV_H
2319 2944
2320The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2321undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2946undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2322can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2947used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2323 2948
2324=item EV_CONFIG_H 2949=item EV_CONFIG_H
2325 2950
2326If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2951If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2327F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2952F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2328C<EV_H>, above. 2953C<EV_H>, above.
2329 2954
2330=item EV_EVENT_H 2955=item EV_EVENT_H
2331 2956
2332Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2957Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2333of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2958of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2334 2959
2335=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2960=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2336 2961
2337If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2962If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2338prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2963prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2359When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 2984When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2360all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 2985all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2361and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 2986and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2362fine. 2987fine.
2363 2988
2364If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 2989If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2365C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 2990C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2366 2991
2367=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2992=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2368 2993
2369If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2994If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2370defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2995defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2389=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3014=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2390 3015
2391If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3016If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2392defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3017defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2393 3018
3019=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3020
3021If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3022defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3023
2394=item EV_MINIMAL 3024=item EV_MINIMAL
2395 3025
2396If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3026If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2397speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3027speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2398some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3028inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3029much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2399 3030
2400=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3031=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2401 3032
2402C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3033C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2403pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3034pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2404than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3035than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2405increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3036increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2406 3037
2407=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3038=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2408 3039
2409C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3040C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2410inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3041inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2411usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3042usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2412watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3043watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2413two). 3044two).
2414 3045
3046=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3047
3048Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3049timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3050to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3051noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3052
3053The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3054(disabled).
3055
3056=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3057
3058Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3059timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3060the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3061which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3062but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3063noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3064
3065The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3066(disabled).
3067
3068=item EV_VERIFY
3069
3070Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3071be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3072in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3073called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3074called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3075verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3076libev considerably.
3077
3078The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3079C<0.>
3080
2415=item EV_COMMON 3081=item EV_COMMON
2416 3082
2417By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3083By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2418this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3084this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2419members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3085members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2431 3097
2432=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3098=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2433 3099
2434Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3100Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2435and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3101and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2436definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3102definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2437their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3103their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2438avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3104avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2439method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3105method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3106
3107=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3108
3109If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3110exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3111all public symbols, one per line:
3112
3113 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3114 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3115
3116This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3117multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3118itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3119
3120A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3121include before including F<ev.h>:
3122
3123 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3124
3125This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3126
3127 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3128 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3129 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3130 ...
2440 3131
2441=head2 EXAMPLES 3132=head2 EXAMPLES
2442 3133
2443For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3134For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2444verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3135verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2467 3158
2468 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3159 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2469 #include "ev.c" 3160 #include "ev.c"
2470 3161
2471 3162
3163=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3164
3165=head2 THREADS
3166
3167Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3168means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3169only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3170parameter.
3171
3172Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3173parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3174done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3175thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3176per loop).
3177
3178If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3179help you but by giving some generic advice:
3180
3181=over 4
3182
3183=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3184in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3185
3186This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3187themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3188
3189=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3190
3191Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3192exists, but it is always a good start.
3193
3194=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3195loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3196
3197Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3198better than you currently do :-)
3199
3200=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3201event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3202threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3203
3204=back
3205
3206=head2 COROUTINES
3207
3208Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3209libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3210coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3211different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3212loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3213you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3214
3215Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3216state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3217switches.
3218
3219
2472=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3220=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2473 3221
2474In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3222In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2475libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3223libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2476documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3224documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2485 3233
2486=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3234=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2487 3235
2488This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3236This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2489there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3237there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2490have to skip those 100 watchers. 3238have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2491 3239
2492=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3240=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2493 3241
2494That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3242That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2495as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3243as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2496 3244
2497=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3245=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2498 3246
2499These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3247These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3248
2500=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3249=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2501 3250
2502=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3251=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2503 3252
2504These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3253These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2505correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3254correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2506have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3255have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2507 3256
2508=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3257=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3258
3259By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3260fixed position in the storage array.
2509 3261
2510=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3262=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2511 3263
2512A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3264A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2513libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel). 3265libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3266on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2514 3267
2515=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3268=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2516 3269
2517=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3270=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518 3271
2519Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3272Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3273priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521linearly search all the priorities. 3274linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3275watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3276
3277=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3278
3279=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3280
3281=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3282
3283Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3284calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3285involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2522 3286
2523=back 3287=back
2524 3288
2525 3289
3290=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3291
3292Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3293requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3294model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3295the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3296descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3297e.g. cygwin.
3298
3299Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3300re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3301things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3302way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3303
3304There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3305embedding it into other applications.
3306
3307Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3308accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3309either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3310so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3311megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3312available).
3313
3314Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3315the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3316is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3317more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3318different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3319notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3320(Microsoft monopoly games).
3321
3322=over 4
3323
3324=item The winsocket select function
3325
3326The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3327requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3328also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3329requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles. See the
3330discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3331C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3332
3333The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3334libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3335
3336 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3337 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3338
3339Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3340complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3341
3342=item Limited number of file descriptors
3343
3344Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3345
3346Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3347of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3348can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3349recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3350previous thread in each. Great).
3351
3352Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3353to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3354call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3355select emulation on windows).
3356
3357Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3358libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3359or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3360C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3361arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3362libraries.
3363
3364This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3365windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3366wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3367calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3368
3369=back
3370
3371
3372=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3373
3374In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3375additional extensions:
3376
3377=over 4
3378
3379=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3380
3381The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3382C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3383threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3384believed to be sufficiently portable.
3385
3386=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3387
3388Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3389allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3390pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3391thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3392be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3393C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3394
3395The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3396except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3397well.
3398
3399=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3400
3401To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3402internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3403non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3404is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3405millions of watchers.
3406
3407=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3408
3409The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3410have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3411enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3412implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3413
3414=back
3415
3416If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3417
3418
3419=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3420
3421Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3422lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3423scared by this.
3424
3425However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3426has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3427warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3428targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3429
3430Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3431workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3432maintainable.
3433
3434And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3435wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3436seems to warn about).
3437
3438While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3439"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3440with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3441them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3442warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3443
3444
3445=head1 VALGRIND
3446
3447Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3448highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3449
3450If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3451in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3452
3453 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3454 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3455 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3456
3457Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3458valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3459might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3460
3461If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3462with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3463a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3464no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3465properly.
3466
3467If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3468I suggest using suppression lists.
3469
3470
2526=head1 AUTHOR 3471=head1 AUTHOR
2527 3472
2528Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3473Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2529 3474

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