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47 47
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
52 56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
113 119
114=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
115 121
116=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 123
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 126C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 127symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 133Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 136not a problem.
128 137
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 139version.
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 283a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag. 284enabling this flag.
276 285
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
278and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 287and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticable (on my 288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 289Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
281without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 290without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283 292
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 293The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
395Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
396etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 405etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
397sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 406sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
398responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
399calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
400the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 409the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
401for example). 410for example).
411
412Not that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
413this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
414would need to be stopped manually.
415
416In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
417rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
418pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
419C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
402 420
403=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 421=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
404 422
405Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 423Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
406earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 424earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
429=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 447=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
430 448
431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 449Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
432C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 450C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 451after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
452
453=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
454
455Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
456the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
457happily wraps around with enough iterations.
458
459This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
460"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
461C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
434 462
435=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 463=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
436 464
437Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 465Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
438use. 466use.
472libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 500libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
473usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 501usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
474 502
475Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 503Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
476 504
505 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
477 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 506 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
478 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 507 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
479 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 508 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
480 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 509 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
481 - Update the "event loop time". 510 - Update the "event loop time".
482 - Calculate for how long to block. 511 - Calculate for how long to block.
483 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 512 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
722=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 751=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
723 752
724Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 753Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
725events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 754events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
726is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 755is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
727C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 756C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
728libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 757make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
758it).
729 759
730=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 760=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
731 761
732Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 762Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
733 763
734=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 764=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
735 765
736Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 766Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
737(modulo threads). 767(modulo threads).
768
769=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
770
771=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
772
773Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
774integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
775(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
776before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
777from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
778
779This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
780invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
781example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
782watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
783
784If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
785you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
786
787You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
788pending.
789
790The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
791always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
792
793Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
794fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
795or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
796
797=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
798
799Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
800C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
801can deal with that fact.
802
803=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
804
805If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
806and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
807watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
738 808
739=back 809=back
740 810
741 811
742=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 812=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
848it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 918it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
849C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 919C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
850 920
851If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 921If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
852play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 922play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
853wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 923whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
854such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 924such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
855its own, so its quite safe to use). 925its own, so its quite safe to use).
926
927=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
928
929Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
930descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
931such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
932descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
933this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
934registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
935fact, a different file descriptor.
936
937To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
938the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
939will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
940it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
941you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
942descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
943
944This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
945the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
946optimisations to libev.
947
948
949=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
856 950
857=over 4 951=over 4
858 952
859=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 953=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
860 954
913 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1007 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
914 1008
915The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1009The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
916but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1010but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
917order of execution is undefined. 1011order of execution is undefined.
1012
1013=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
918 1014
919=over 4 1015=over 4
920 1016
921=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1017=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
922 1018
1018but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1114but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1019to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1115to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1020periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1116periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1021+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1117+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1022take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1118take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1023roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1119roughly 10 seconds later).
1024again).
1025 1120
1026They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1121They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1027triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1122triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1123rules.
1028 1124
1029As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1125As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1030time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1126time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1031during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1127during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1032 1128
1129=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1130
1033=over 4 1131=over 4
1034 1132
1035=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1133=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1036 1134
1037=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1135=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1039Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1137Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1040operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1138operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1041 1139
1042=over 4 1140=over 4
1043 1141
1044=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1142=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1045 1143
1046In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1144In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1047C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1145C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1048that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1146that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1049system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1147system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1050 1148
1051=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1149=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1052 1150
1053In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1151In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1054C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1152C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1055of any time jumps. 1153and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1056 1154
1057This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1155This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1058time: 1156time:
1059 1157
1060 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1158 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1066 1164
1067Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1165Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1068C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1166C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1069time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1167time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1070 1168
1169For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1170C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1171this value.
1172
1071=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1173=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1072 1174
1073In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1175In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1074ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1176ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1075reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1177reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1076current time as second argument. 1178current time as second argument.
1077 1179
1078NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1180NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1079ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1181ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1080return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1182return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1081starting a prepare watcher). 1183starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1082 1184
1083Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1185Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1084ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1186ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1085 1187
1086 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1188 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1109Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1211Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1110when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1212when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1111a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1213a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1112program when the crontabs have changed). 1214program when the crontabs have changed).
1113 1215
1216=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1217
1218When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1219absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1220
1221Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1222timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1223
1114=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1224=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1115 1225
1116The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1226The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1117take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1227take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1118called. 1228called.
1120=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1230=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1121 1231
1122The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1232The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1123switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1233switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1124the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1234the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1235
1236=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1237
1238When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1239trigger next.
1125 1240
1126=back 1241=back
1127 1242
1128Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1243Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1129system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1244system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1171with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1286with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1172as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1287as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1173watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1288watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1174SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1289SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1175 1290
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292
1176=over 4 1293=over 4
1177 1294
1178=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1295=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1179 1296
1180=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1297=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1191 1308
1192=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1309=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1193 1310
1194Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1311Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1195some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1312some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1313
1314=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1196 1315
1197=over 4 1316=over 4
1198 1317
1199=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1318=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1200 1319
1268reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1387reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1269semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1388semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1270to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1389to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1271usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1390usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1272polling. 1391polling.
1392
1393=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1273 1394
1274=over 4 1395=over 4
1275 1396
1276=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1397=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1277 1398
1341 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1462 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1342 1463
1343 1464
1344=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1465=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1345 1466
1346Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1467Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1347(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1468priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1348as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1469count).
1349imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1470
1350watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1471That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1472(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1473triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1474are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1351until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1475iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1352busy. 1476and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1353 1477
1354The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1478The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1355active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1479active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1356 1480
1357Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1481Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1358effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1482effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1359"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1483"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1360event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1484event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1485
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1361 1487
1362=over 4 1488=over 4
1363 1489
1364=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1490=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1365 1491
1423with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1549with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1424of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1550of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1425loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1551loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1426low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1552low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1427 1553
1554It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1555priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1556after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1557too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1558supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1559their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1560loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1561C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1562others).
1563
1564=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1565
1428=over 4 1566=over 4
1429 1567
1430=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1568=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1431 1569
1432=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1570=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1435parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1573parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1436macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1574macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1437 1575
1438=back 1576=back
1439 1577
1440Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1578There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1441and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1579into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1580(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1581use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1582embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1583into the Glib event loop).
1584
1585Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1442in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1586and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1443pseudo-code only of course: 1587is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1588priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1589the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1444 1590
1445 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1591 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1446 static ev_timer tw; 1592 static ev_timer tw;
1447 1593
1448 static void 1594 static void
1449 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1595 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1450 { 1596 {
1451 // set the relevant poll flags
1452 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1453 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1454 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1455 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1456 } 1597 }
1457 1598
1458 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1599 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1459 static void 1600 static void
1460 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1601 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1461 { 1602 {
1462 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1603 int timeout = 3600000;
1604 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1463 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1605 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1464 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1606 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1465 1607
1466 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1608 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1467 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1609 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1468 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1610 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1469 1611
1470 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1612 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1471 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1613 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1472 { 1614 {
1473 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1615 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1474 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1616 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1475 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1617 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1476 1618
1477 fds [i].revents = 0; 1619 fds [i].revents = 0;
1478 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1479 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1620 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1480 } 1621 }
1481 } 1622 }
1482 1623
1483 // stop all watchers after blocking 1624 // stop all watchers after blocking
1485 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1626 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1486 { 1627 {
1487 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1628 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1488 1629
1489 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1630 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1631 {
1632 // set the relevant poll flags
1633 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1634 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1635 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1638
1639 // now stop the watcher
1490 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1640 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1641 }
1491 1642
1492 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1643 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1644 }
1645
1646Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1647in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1648
1649Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1650notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1651callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1652
1653 static void
1654 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1655 {
1656 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1657 update_now (EV_A);
1658
1659 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1660 }
1661
1662 static void
1663 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1664 {
1665 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1666 update_now (EV_A);
1667
1668 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1669 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1670 }
1671
1672 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1673
1674Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1675want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1676their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1677loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1678this.
1679
1680 static gint
1681 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1682 {
1683 int got_events = 0;
1684
1685 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1686 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1687
1688 if (timeout >= 0)
1689 // create/start timer
1690
1691 // poll
1692 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1693
1694 // stop timer again
1695 if (timeout >= 0)
1696 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1697
1698 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1699 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1700 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1701
1702 return got_events;
1493 } 1703 }
1494 1704
1495 1705
1496=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1706=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1497 1707
1561 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1771 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1562 } 1772 }
1563 else 1773 else
1564 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1774 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1565 1775
1776=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1777
1566=over 4 1778=over 4
1567 1779
1568=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1780=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1569 1781
1570=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1782=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1596event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1808event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1597and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1809and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1598C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1810C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1599handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1811handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1600 1812
1813=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1814
1601=over 4 1815=over 4
1602 1816
1603=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1817=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1604 1818
1605Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1819Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1701 1915
1702To use it, 1916To use it,
1703 1917
1704 #include <ev++.h> 1918 #include <ev++.h>
1705 1919
1706(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1920This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1707and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1921of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1708namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1922put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1923options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1709 1924
1710It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1925Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1711C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1926classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1927that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1928you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1929
1930Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1931used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1932need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1933types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1934it).
1712 1935
1713Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1936Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1714 1937
1715=over 4 1938=over 4
1716 1939
1732 1955
1733All of those classes have these methods: 1956All of those classes have these methods:
1734 1957
1735=over 4 1958=over 4
1736 1959
1737=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1960=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1738 1961
1739=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1962=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1740 1963
1741=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1964=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1742 1965
1743The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1966The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1744the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1967with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1745C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1968
1746before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1969The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1747automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1970C<set> method before starting it.
1971
1972It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1973method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1974
1975(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1976not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1748 1977
1749The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1978The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1979
1980=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1981
1982This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1983signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1984first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1985parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1986
1987This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1988the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1989callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1990your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1991thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1992
1993Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1994
1995 struct myclass
1996 {
1997 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1998 }
1999
2000 myclass obj;
2001 ev::io iow;
2002 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2003
2004=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2005
2006Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2007callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2008C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2009
2010The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2011
2012See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2013
2014Example:
2015
2016 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2017 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1750 2018
1751=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2019=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1752 2020
1753Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2021Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1754do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2022do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1755 2023
1756=item w->set ([args]) 2024=item w->set ([args])
1757 2025
1758Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2026Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1759called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2027called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1760automatically stopped and restarted. 2028automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2029method.
1761 2030
1762=item w->start () 2031=item w->start ()
1763 2032
1764Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2033Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1765constructor already takes the loop. 2034constructor already stores the event loop.
1766 2035
1767=item w->stop () 2036=item w->stop ()
1768 2037
1769Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2038Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1770 2039
1771=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2040=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1772 2041
1773For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2042For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1774C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2043C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1775 2044
1776=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2045=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1777 2046
1778Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2047Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1779 2048
1780=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2049=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1781 2050
1782Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2051Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1783 2052
1784=back 2053=back
1785 2054
1795 2064
1796 myclass (); 2065 myclass ();
1797 } 2066 }
1798 2067
1799 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2068 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1800 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1801 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1802 { 2069 {
2070 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2071 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2072
1803 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2073 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1804 } 2074 }
1805 2075
1806 2076
1807=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2077=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1808 2078
1809Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2079Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1810C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2080of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1811callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2081functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1812 2082
1813To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2083To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1814following macros are defined: 2084following macros are defined:
1815 2085
1816=over 4 2086=over 4
1848Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2118Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1849loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2119loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1850 2120
1851=back 2121=back
1852 2122
1853Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2123Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1854wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2124macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2125or not.
1855 2126
1856 static void 2127 static void
1857 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2128 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1858 { 2129 {
1859 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2130 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1861 2132
1862 ev_check check; 2133 ev_check check;
1863 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2134 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1864 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2135 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1865 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2136 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1866
1867 2137
1868=head1 EMBEDDING 2138=head1 EMBEDDING
1869 2139
1870Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2140Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1871applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2141applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1911 ev_vars.h 2181 ev_vars.h
1912 ev_wrap.h 2182 ev_wrap.h
1913 2183
1914 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2184 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1915 2185
1916 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2186 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1917 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2187 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1918 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2188 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1919 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2189 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1920 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2190 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1921 2191
2084will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2354will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2085additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2355additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2086for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2356for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2087argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2357argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2088 2358
2359=item EV_MINPRI
2360
2361=item EV_MAXPRI
2362
2363The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2364C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2365provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2366to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2367
2368When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2369all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2370and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2371fine.
2372
2373If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2374C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2375
2089=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2376=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2090 2377
2091If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2378If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2379defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2380code.
2381
2382=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2383
2384If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2092defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2385defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2093code. 2386code.
2094 2387
2095=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2388=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2096 2389
2163interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2456interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2164will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2457will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2165file. 2458file.
2166 2459
2167The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2460The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2168that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2461that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2169 2462
2463 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2170 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2464 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2171 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2465 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2172 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2466 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2467 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2468 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2173 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2469 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2470 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2471 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2174 2472
2175 #include "ev++.h" 2473 #include "ev++.h"
2176 2474
2177And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2475And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2178 2476
2184 2482
2185In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2483In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2186libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2484libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2187documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2485documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2188 2486
2487All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2488extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2489happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2490mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2491it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2492
2189=over 4 2493=over 4
2190 2494
2191=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2495=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2192 2496
2497This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2498there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2499have to skip those 100 watchers.
2500
2193=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2501=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2194 2502
2503That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2504as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2505
2195=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2506=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2196 2507
2508These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2197=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2509=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2198 2510
2199=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2511=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2200 2512
2513These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2514correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2515have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2516
2201=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2517=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2202 2518
2203=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2519=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2204 2520
2521A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2522libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2523
2205=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2524=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2206 2525
2526=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2527
2528Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2529priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2530linearly search all the priorities.
2531
2207=back 2532=back
2208 2533
2209 2534
2210=head1 AUTHOR 2535=head1 AUTHOR
2211 2536

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