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Revision 1.88 by ayin, Tue Dec 18 13:06:18 2007 UTC

4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the 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
49called 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
50to 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
51it, 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.
52 106
53=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
54 108
55These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
56library in any way. 110library in any way.
65 119
66=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
67 121
68=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
69 123
70You 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
71you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
72C<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
73symbols 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
74version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
75 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
76Usually, 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,
77as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
78compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
79not a problem. 136not a problem.
80 137
81Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
82version: 139version.
83 140
84 assert (("libev version mismatch", 141 assert (("libev version mismatch",
85 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 142 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
86 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 143 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
87 144
117 174
118See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
119 176
120=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
121 178
122Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
123realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
124and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
125needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
126destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
184function.
127 185
128You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
129free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 187free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
130or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 188or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
131 189
132Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 190Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
133retries: better than mine). 191retries).
134 192
135 static void * 193 static void *
136 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 194 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
137 { 195 {
138 for (;;) 196 for (;;)
139 { 197 {
140 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 198 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
141 199
157callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 215callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
158matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 216matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
159requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 217requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
160(such as abort). 218(such as abort).
161 219
162Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 220Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
163 221
164 static void 222 static void
165 fatal_error (const char *msg) 223 fatal_error (const char *msg)
166 { 224 {
167 perror (msg); 225 perror (msg);
217C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
218override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 276override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
219useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 277useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
220around bugs. 278around bugs.
221 279
280=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
281
282Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
283a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
284enabling this flag.
285
286This 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
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux 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
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292
293The 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
295flag.
296
297This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298environment variable.
299
222=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
223 301
224This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
225libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 303libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
226but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
313Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 391Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
314always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
315handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 393handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
316undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 394undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
317 395
318Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 396Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
319 397
320 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
321 if (!epoller) 399 if (!epoller)
322 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 400 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
323 401
326Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
327etc.). 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
328sense, 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
329responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
330calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
331the 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
332for example). 410for example).
411
412Note 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>).
333 420
334=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 421=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
335 422
336Like 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
337earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 424earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
360=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 447=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
361 448
362Like 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
363C<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
364after 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.
365 462
366=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 463=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
367 464
368Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 465Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
369use. 466use.
403libev 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
404usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 501usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
405 502
406Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 503Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
407 504
505 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
408 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 506 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
409 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 507 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
410 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 508 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
411 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 509 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
412 - Update the "event loop time". 510 - Update the "event loop time".
413 - Calculate for how long to block. 511 - Calculate for how long to block.
414 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 512 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
422 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 520 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
423 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 521 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
424 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 522 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
425 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 523 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
426 524
427Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 525Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
428anymore. 526anymore.
429 527
430 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 528 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
431 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 529 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
432 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 530 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
452visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 550visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
453no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 551no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
454way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 552way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
455libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 553libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
456 554
457Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 555Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
458running when nothing else is active. 556running when nothing else is active.
459 557
460 struct dv_signal exitsig; 558 struct ev_signal exitsig;
461 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 559 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
462 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 560 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
463 evf_unref (myloop); 561 evf_unref (loop);
464 562
465Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 563Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
466 564
467 ev_ref (myloop); 565 ev_ref (loop);
468 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 566 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
469 567
470=back 568=back
471 569
472 570
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 571=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
653=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 751=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 752
655Returns 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
656events 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
657is 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
658C<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
659libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 757make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
758it).
660 759
661=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 760=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
662 761
663Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 762Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
664 763
665=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 764=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
666 765
667Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 766Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
668(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>.
669 808
670=back 809=back
671 810
672 811
673=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 812=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
694 { 833 {
695 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 834 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
696 ... 835 ...
697 } 836 }
698 837
699More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 838More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
700have been omitted.... 839instead have been omitted.
840
841Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
842watchers:
843
844 struct my_biggy
845 {
846 int some_data;
847 ev_timer t1;
848 ev_timer t2;
849 }
850
851In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
852you need to use C<offsetof>:
853
854 #include <stddef.h>
855
856 static void
857 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
858 {
859 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
860 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
861 }
862
863 static void
864 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
865 {
866 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
867 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
868 }
701 869
702 870
703=head1 WATCHER TYPES 871=head1 WATCHER TYPES
704 872
705This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 873This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
750it 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
751C<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.
752 920
753If 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
754play 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
755wether 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
756such 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
757its 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
758 950
759=over 4 951=over 4
760 952
761=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 953=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
762 954
774 966
775The events being watched. 967The events being watched.
776 968
777=back 969=back
778 970
779Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 971Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
780readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 972readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
781attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 973attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
782 974
783 static void 975 static void
784 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 976 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
785 { 977 {
786 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 978 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
816 1008
817The 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,
818but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1010but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
819order of execution is undefined. 1011order of execution is undefined.
820 1012
1013=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1014
821=over 4 1015=over 4
822 1016
823=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)
824 1018
825=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1019=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
838=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1032=item ev_timer_again (loop)
839 1033
840This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1034This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
841repeating. The exact semantics are: 1035repeating. The exact semantics are:
842 1036
1037If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1038
843If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1039If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
844 1040
845If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1041If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
846value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1042C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
847 1043
848This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1044This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
849example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1045example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
850idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1046timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
851say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1047seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
852this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1048configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
853C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1049C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
854you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1050you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
855socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1051socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
856need be. 1052automatically restart it if need be.
857 1053
858You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1054That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
859and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1055altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
860 1056
861 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1057 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
862 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1058 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
863 ... 1059 ...
864 timer->again = 17.; 1060 timer->again = 17.;
865 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1061 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
866 ... 1062 ...
867 timer->again = 10.; 1063 timer->again = 10.;
868 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1064 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
869 1065
870This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1066This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
871to modify its timeout value. 1067you want to modify its timeout value.
872 1068
873=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1069=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
874 1070
875The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1071The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
876or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1072or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
877which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1073which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
878 1074
879=back 1075=back
880 1076
881Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1077Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
882 1078
883 static void 1079 static void
884 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1080 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
885 { 1081 {
886 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1082 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
888 1084
889 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1085 struct ev_timer mytimer;
890 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1086 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
891 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1087 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
892 1088
893Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1089Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
894inactivity. 1090inactivity.
895 1091
896 static void 1092 static void
897 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1093 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
898 { 1094 {
918but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1114but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
919to 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
920periodic 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 ()
921+ 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
922take 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
923roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1119roughly 10 seconds later).
924again).
925 1120
926They 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
927triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1122triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1123rules.
928 1124
929As 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
930time (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
931during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1127during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
932 1128
1129=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1130
933=over 4 1131=over 4
934 1132
935=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)
936 1134
937=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)
939Lots 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
940operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1138operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
941 1139
942=over 4 1140=over 4
943 1141
944=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1142=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
945 1143
946In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1144In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
947C<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,
948that 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
949system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1147system time reaches or surpasses this time.
950 1148
951=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1149=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
952 1150
953In 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
954C<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)
955of any time jumps. 1153and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
956 1154
957This 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
958time: 1156time:
959 1157
960 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1158 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
966 1164
967Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1165Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
968C<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
969time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1167time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
970 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
971=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1173=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
972 1174
973In 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
974ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1176ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
975reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1177reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
976current time as second argument. 1178current time as second argument.
977 1179
978NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1180NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
979ever, 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,
980return 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
981starting a prepare watcher). 1183starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
982 1184
983Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1185Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
984ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1186ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
985 1187
986 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)
1009Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1211Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1010when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1212when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1011a 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
1012program when the crontabs have changed). 1214program when the crontabs have changed).
1013 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
1014=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1224=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1015 1225
1016The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1226The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1017take 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
1018called. 1228called.
1021 1231
1022The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1232The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1023switched 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
1024the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1234the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1025 1235
1236=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1237
1238When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1239trigger next.
1240
1026=back 1241=back
1027 1242
1028Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1243Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1029system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1244system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1030potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1245potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1031 1246
1032 static void 1247 static void
1033 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1248 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1037 1252
1038 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1253 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1039 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1254 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1040 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1255 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1041 1256
1042Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1257Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1043 1258
1044 #include <math.h> 1259 #include <math.h>
1045 1260
1046 static ev_tstamp 1261 static ev_tstamp
1047 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1262 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1264 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1050 } 1265 }
1051 1266
1052 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1267 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1053 1268
1054Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1269Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1055 1270
1056 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1271 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1057 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1272 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1058 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1273 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1059 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1274 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1071with 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
1072as 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
1073watcher 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
1074SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1289SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1075 1290
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292
1076=over 4 1293=over 4
1077 1294
1078=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1295=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1079 1296
1080=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1297=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1091 1308
1092=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1309=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1093 1310
1094Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1311Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1095some 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
1096 1315
1097=over 4 1316=over 4
1098 1317
1099=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1318=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1100 1319
1120The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1339The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1121C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1340C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1122 1341
1123=back 1342=back
1124 1343
1125Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1344Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1126 1345
1127 static void 1346 static void
1128 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1347 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1129 { 1348 {
1130 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1349 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1145not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1364not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1146not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1365not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1147otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1366otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1148the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1367the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1149 1368
1369The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1370relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1371
1150Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1372Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1151calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1373calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1152can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1374can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1153a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1375a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1154unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1376unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1155five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1377five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1156impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1378impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1158 1380
1159This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1381This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1160as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1382as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1161resource-intensive. 1383resource-intensive.
1162 1384
1163At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1385At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1164if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1386implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1387reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1388semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1389to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1390usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1391polling.
1392
1393=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1165 1394
1166=over 4 1395=over 4
1167 1396
1168=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)
1169 1398
1233 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1462 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1234 1463
1235 1464
1236=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...
1237 1466
1238Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1467Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1239(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1468priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1240as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1469count).
1241imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1470
1242watchers 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
1243until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1475iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1244busy. 1476and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1245 1477
1246The 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
1247active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1479active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1248 1480
1249Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1481Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1250effect 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
1251"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1483"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1252event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1484event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1253 1485
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1487
1254=over 4 1488=over 4
1255 1489
1256=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1490=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1257 1491
1258Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1492Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1259kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1493kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1260believe me. 1494believe me.
1261 1495
1262=back 1496=back
1263 1497
1264Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1498Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1265callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1499callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1266 1500
1267 static void 1501 static void
1268 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1502 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1269 { 1503 {
1270 free (w); 1504 free (w);
1315with 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
1316of 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
1317loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1551loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1318low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1552low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1319 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
1320=over 4 1566=over 4
1321 1567
1322=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1568=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1323 1569
1324=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1570=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1327parameters 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>
1328macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1574macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1329 1575
1330=back 1576=back
1331 1577
1332Example: 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
1333and 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,
1334in 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
1335pseudo-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.
1336 1590
1337 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1591 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1338 static ev_timer tw; 1592 static ev_timer tw;
1339 1593
1340 static void 1594 static void
1341 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1595 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1342 { 1596 {
1343 // set the relevant poll flags
1344 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1345 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1346 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1347 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1348 } 1597 }
1349 1598
1350 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1599 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1351 static void 1600 static void
1352 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1601 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1353 { 1602 {
1354 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1603 int timeout = 3600000;
1604 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1355 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1605 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1356 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1606 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1357 1607
1358 /* 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 */
1359 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1609 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1360 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1610 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1361 1611
1362 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1612 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1363 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1613 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1364 { 1614 {
1365 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1615 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1366 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1616 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1367 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1617 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1368 1618
1369 fds [i].revents = 0; 1619 fds [i].revents = 0;
1370 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1371 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1620 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1372 } 1621 }
1373 } 1622 }
1374 1623
1375 // stop all watchers after blocking 1624 // stop all watchers after blocking
1377 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1626 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1378 { 1627 {
1379 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1628 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1380 1629
1381 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
1382 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1640 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1641 }
1383 1642
1384 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;
1385 } 1703 }
1386 1704
1387 1705
1388=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1706=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1389 1707
1453 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1771 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1454 } 1772 }
1455 else 1773 else
1456 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1774 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1457 1775
1776=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1777
1458=over 4 1778=over 4
1459 1779
1460=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)
1461 1781
1462=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)
1488event 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,
1489and 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
1490C<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
1491handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1811handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1492 1812
1813=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1814
1493=over 4 1815=over 4
1494 1816
1495=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1817=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1496 1818
1497Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1819Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1593 1915
1594To use it, 1916To use it,
1595 1917
1596 #include <ev++.h> 1918 #include <ev++.h>
1597 1919
1598(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
1599and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1921of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1600namespace. 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>.
1601 1924
1602It 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++
1603C<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).
1604 1935
1605Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1936Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1606 1937
1607=over 4 1938=over 4
1608 1939
1624 1955
1625All of those classes have these methods: 1956All of those classes have these methods:
1626 1957
1627=over 4 1958=over 4
1628 1959
1629=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1960=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1630 1961
1631=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1962=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1632 1963
1633=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1964=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1634 1965
1635The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1966The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1636the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1967with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1637C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1968
1638before 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
1639automatically 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).
1640 1977
1641The 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> ();
1642 2018
1643=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2019=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1644 2020
1645Associates 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
1646do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2022do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1647 2023
1648=item w->set ([args]) 2024=item w->set ([args])
1649 2025
1650Basically 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
1651called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2027called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1652automatically stopped and restarted. 2028automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2029method.
1653 2030
1654=item w->start () 2031=item w->start ()
1655 2032
1656Starts 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
1657constructor already takes the loop. 2034constructor already stores the event loop.
1658 2035
1659=item w->stop () 2036=item w->stop ()
1660 2037
1661Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2038Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1662 2039
1663=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2040=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1664 2041
1665For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2042For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1666C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2043C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1667 2044
1668=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2045=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1669 2046
1670Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2047Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1671 2048
1672=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2049=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1673 2050
1674Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2051Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1675 2052
1676=back 2053=back
1677 2054
1687 2064
1688 myclass (); 2065 myclass ();
1689 } 2066 }
1690 2067
1691 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2068 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1692 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1693 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1694 { 2069 {
2070 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2071 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2072
1695 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2073 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1696 } 2074 }
1697 2075
1698 2076
1699=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2077=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1700 2078
1701Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2079Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1702C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2080of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1703callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2081functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1704 2082
1705To 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
1706following macros are defined: 2084following macros are defined:
1707 2085
1708=over 4 2086=over 4
1740Similar 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
1741loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2119loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1742 2120
1743=back 2121=back
1744 2122
1745Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2123Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1746wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2124macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2125or not.
1747 2126
1748 static void 2127 static void
1749 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2128 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1750 { 2129 {
1751 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2130 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1753 2132
1754 ev_check check; 2133 ev_check check;
1755 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2134 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1756 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2135 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1757 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2136 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1758
1759 2137
1760=head1 EMBEDDING 2138=head1 EMBEDDING
1761 2139
1762Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2140Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1763applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2141applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1803 ev_vars.h 2181 ev_vars.h
1804 ev_wrap.h 2182 ev_wrap.h
1805 2183
1806 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2184 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1807 2185
1808 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)
1809 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)
1810 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)
1811 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)
1812 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)
1813 2191
1938 2316
1939=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2317=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1940 2318
1941reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2319reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1942 2320
2321=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2322
2323If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2324interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2325be detected at runtime.
2326
1943=item EV_H 2327=item EV_H
1944 2328
1945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2329The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1946undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2330undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1947can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2331can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1970will 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
1971additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2355additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1972for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2356for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1973argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2357argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1974 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
1975=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2376=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1976 2377
1977If 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
1978defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2379defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1979code. 2380code.
1980 2381
2382=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2383
2384If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2385defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2386code.
2387
1981=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2388=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1982 2389
1983If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2390If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1984defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2391defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1985 2392
2002=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2409=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2003 2410
2004C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2411C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2005pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2412pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2006than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2413than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2007increase this value. 2414increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2415
2416=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2417
2418C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2419inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2420usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2421watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2422two).
2008 2423
2009=item EV_COMMON 2424=item EV_COMMON
2010 2425
2011By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2426By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2012this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2427this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2041interface) 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
2042will 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
2043file. 2458file.
2044 2459
2045The 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
2046that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2461that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2047 2462
2463 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2048 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2464 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2049 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2465 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2050 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2466 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2467 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2468 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2051 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2469 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2470 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2471 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2052 2472
2053 #include "ev++.h" 2473 #include "ev++.h"
2054 2474
2055And 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:
2056 2476
2062 2482
2063In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2483In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2064libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2484libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2065documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2485documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2066 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
2067=over 4 2493=over 4
2068 2494
2069=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)
2070 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
2071=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)
2072 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
2073=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2506=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2074 2507
2508These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2075=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2509=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2076 2510
2077=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2511=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
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).
2078 2516
2079=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2517=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2080 2518
2081=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)
2082 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
2083=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2524=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2084 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
2085=back 2532=back
2086 2533
2087 2534
2088=head1 AUTHOR 2535=head1 AUTHOR
2089 2536

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