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Revision 1.53 by root, Tue Nov 27 20:15:02 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.88 by ayin, Tue Dec 18 13:06:18 2007 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 /* this is the only header you need */
8 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
9 8
10 /* what follows is a fully working example program */ 9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
11 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
12 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
13 15
14 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
15 static void 17 static void
45 47
46 return 0; 48 return 0;
47 } 49 }
48 50
49=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>.
50 56
51Libev 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
52file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 60
61details 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
62watcher. 68watcher.
63 69
64=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
65 71
66Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
67kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
68timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
69events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
70loop 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
71fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
72it to libevent for example). 85for example).
73 86
74=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
75 88
76Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
77will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
78about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
79F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
80support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
81argument 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.
82will not have this argument.
83 95
84=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
85 97
86Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
87(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
88the 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
89called 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
90to 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
91it, 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.
92 106
93=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
94 108
95These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
96library in any way. 110library in any way.
105 119
106=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
107 121
108=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
109 123
110You 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
111you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
112C<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
113symbols 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
114version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
115 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
116Usually, 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,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 136not a problem.
120 137
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 139version.
123 140
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 141 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 142 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 143 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 144
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 172C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 173recommended ones.
157 174
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 176
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 178
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
184function.
167 185
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free 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,
170or 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.
171 189
172Example: 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
173retries: better than mine). 191retries).
174 192
175 static void * 193 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 194 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 195 {
178 for (;;) 196 for (;;)
197callback 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
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 216matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested 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
200(such as abort). 218(such as abort).
201 219
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 220Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 221
204 static void 222 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 223 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 224 {
207 perror (msg); 225 perror (msg);
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override 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
259useful 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
260around bugs. 278around bugs.
261 279
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
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 301
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
265libev 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,
266but 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
353Similar 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
354always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
355handle 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
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 394undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 395
358Example: 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.
359 397
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 399 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 400 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 401
366Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
367etc.). 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
368sense, 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
369responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
370calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
371the 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
372for 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>).
373 420
374=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 421=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
375 422
376Like 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
377earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 424earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
400=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 447=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
401 448
402Like 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
403C<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
404after 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.
405 462
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 463=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 464
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 465Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 466use.
443libev 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
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 501usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 502
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 503Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 504
505 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 506 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 507 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 508 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 509 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 510 - Update the "event loop time".
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 511 - Calculate for how long to block.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 512 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 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
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 521 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - 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
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 523 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
466 524
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 525Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
468anymore. 526anymore.
469 527
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 528 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
471 ... 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..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 530 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
492visible 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
493no 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
494way 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
495libraries. 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>.
496 554
497Example: 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>
498running when nothing else is active. 556running when nothing else is active.
499 557
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 558 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 559 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 560 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 561 evf_unref (loop);
504 562
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 563Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 564
507 ev_ref (myloop); 565 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 566 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
509 567
510=back 568=back
511 569
512 570
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 571=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 751=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 752
695Returns 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
696events 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
697is 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
698C<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
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 757make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
758it).
700 759
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 760=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 761
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 762Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 763
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 764=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 765
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 766Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(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>.
709 808
710=back 809=back
711 810
712 811
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 812=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
734 { 833 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 834 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 835 ...
737 } 836 }
738 837
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 838More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have 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 }
741 869
742 870
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 871=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 872
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 873This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
790it 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
791C<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.
792 920
793If 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
794play 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
795wether 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
796such 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
797its 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
798 950
799=over 4 951=over 4
800 952
801=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 953=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
802 954
814 966
815The events being watched. 967The events being watched.
816 968
817=back 969=back
818 970
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 971Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 972readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 973attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 974
823 static void 975 static void
824 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)
825 { 977 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 978 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
856 1008
857The 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,
858but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1010but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
859order of execution is undefined. 1011order of execution is undefined.
860 1012
1013=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1014
861=over 4 1015=over 4
862 1016
863=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)
864 1018
865=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)
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1032=item ev_timer_again (loop)
879 1033
880This 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
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 1035repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 1036
1037If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1038
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1039If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1040
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1041If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1042C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1043
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1044This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: 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
890idle 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
891say, 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
892this 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
893C<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
894you 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
895socket, 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
896need be. 1052automatically restart it if need be.
897 1053
898You 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>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1055altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1056
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1057 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1058 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1059 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1060 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1061 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1062 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1063 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1064 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1065
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1066This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1067you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1068
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1069=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1070
915The 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
916or 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),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1073which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1074
919=back 1075=back
920 1076
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1077Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1078
923 static void 1079 static void
924 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)
925 { 1081 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1082 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
928 1084
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1085 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1086 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1087 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1088
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1089Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1090inactivity.
935 1091
936 static void 1092 static void
937 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)
938 { 1094 {
958but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1114but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
959to 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
960periodic 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 ()
961+ 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
962take 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
963roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1119roughly 10 seconds later).
964again).
965 1120
966They 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
967triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1122triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1123rules.
968 1124
969As 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
970time (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
971during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1127during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
972 1128
1129=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1130
973=over 4 1131=over 4
974 1132
975=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)
976 1134
977=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)
979Lots 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
980operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1138operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
981 1139
982=over 4 1140=over 4
983 1141
984=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1142=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
985 1143
986In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1144In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
987C<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,
988that 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
989system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1147system time reaches or surpasses this time.
990 1148
991=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1149=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1150
993In 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
994C<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)
995of any time jumps. 1153and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
996 1154
997This 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
998time: 1156time:
999 1157
1000 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1158 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1006 1164
1007Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1165Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1008C<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
1009time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1167time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1010 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
1011=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1173=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1012 1174
1013In 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
1014ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1176ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1015reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1177reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1016current time as second argument. 1178current time as second argument.
1017 1179
1018NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1180NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1019ever, 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,
1020return 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
1021starting a prepare watcher). 1183starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1022 1184
1023Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1185Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1024ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1186ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1025 1187
1026 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)
1049Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1211Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1050when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1212when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1051a 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
1052program when the crontabs have changed). 1214program when the crontabs have changed).
1053 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
1054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1224=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1055 1225
1056The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1226The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1057take 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
1058called. 1228called.
1061 1231
1062The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1232The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1063switched 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
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1234the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1235
1236=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1237
1238When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1239trigger next.
1240
1066=back 1241=back
1067 1242
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1243Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1244system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1245potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1071 1246
1072 static void 1247 static void
1073 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)
1077 1252
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1253 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1254 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1255 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1256
1082Example: 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:
1083 1258
1084 #include <math.h> 1259 #include <math.h>
1085 1260
1086 static ev_tstamp 1261 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1262 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1264 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1265 }
1091 1266
1092 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);
1093 1268
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1269Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1270
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1271 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1272 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1273 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1274 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1111with 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
1112as 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
1113watcher 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
1114SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1289SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1115 1290
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292
1116=over 4 1293=over 4
1117 1294
1118=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1295=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1119 1296
1120=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1297=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1131 1308
1132=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1309=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1133 1310
1134Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1311Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1135some 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
1136 1315
1137=over 4 1316=over 4
1138 1317
1139=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1318=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1140 1319
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1339The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1340C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1341
1163=back 1342=back
1164 1343
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1344Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1166 1345
1167 static void 1346 static void
1168 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)
1169 { 1348 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1349 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1185not 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
1186not 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
1187otherwise 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
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1367the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 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
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1372Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1191calls 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
1192can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1374can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1375a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified 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
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1377five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose 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
1198 1380
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1381This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1382as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1383resource-intensive.
1202 1384
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1385At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if 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
1205 1394
1206=over 4 1395=over 4
1207 1396
1208=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)
1209 1398
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1462 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1274 1463
1275 1464
1276=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...
1277 1466
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1467Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1279(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1468priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1469count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1470
1282watchers 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
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1475iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1476and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1477
1286The 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
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1479active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1480
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1481Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1290effect 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
1291"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1483"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1292event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1484event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1293 1485
1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1487
1294=over 4 1488=over 4
1295 1489
1296=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1490=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1297 1491
1298Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1492Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1299kind. 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,
1300believe me. 1494believe me.
1301 1495
1302=back 1496=back
1303 1497
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1498Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1499callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1500
1307 static void 1501 static void
1308 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)
1309 { 1503 {
1310 free (w); 1504 free (w);
1355with 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
1356of 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
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1551loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1552low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 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
1360=over 4 1566=over 4
1361 1567
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1568=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1569
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1570=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters 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>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1574macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1575
1370=back 1576=back
1371 1577
1372Example: 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
1373and 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,
1374in 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
1375pseudo-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.
1376 1590
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1591 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 1592 static ev_timer tw;
1379 1593
1380 static void 1594 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1595 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1596 {
1383 // set the relevant poll flags
1384 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1385 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1386 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1387 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1388 } 1597 }
1389 1598
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1599 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 1600 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1601 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 1602 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1603 int timeout = 3600000;
1604 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1605 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1606 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 1607
1398 /* 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 */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1609 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1610 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 1611
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1612 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1613 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 1614 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1615 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1616 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1617 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 1618
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 1619 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1620 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 1621 }
1413 } 1622 }
1414 1623
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 1624 // stop all watchers after blocking
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1626 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 1627 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1628 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 1629
1421 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
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1640 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1641 }
1423 1642
1424 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;
1425 } 1703 }
1426 1704
1427 1705
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1706=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 1707
1493 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1771 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1494 } 1772 }
1495 else 1773 else
1496 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1774 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1497 1775
1776=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1777
1498=over 4 1778=over 4
1499 1779
1500=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)
1501 1781
1502=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)
1528event 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,
1529and 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
1530C<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
1531handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1811handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1532 1812
1813=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1814
1533=over 4 1815=over 4
1534 1816
1535=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1817=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1536 1818
1537Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1819Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1633 1915
1634To use it, 1916To use it,
1635 1917
1636 #include <ev++.h> 1918 #include <ev++.h>
1637 1919
1638(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
1639and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1921of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. 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>.
1641 1924
1642It 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++
1643C<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).
1644 1935
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1936Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 1937
1647=over 4 1938=over 4
1648 1939
1664 1955
1665All of those classes have these methods: 1956All of those classes have these methods:
1666 1957
1667=over 4 1958=over 4
1668 1959
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1960=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 1961
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1962=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 1963
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1964=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 1965
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1966The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1967with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1677C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1968
1678before 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
1679automatically 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).
1680 1977
1681The 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> ();
1682 2018
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2019=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 2020
1685Associates 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
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2022do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 2023
1688=item w->set ([args]) 2024=item w->set ([args])
1689 2025
1690Basically 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
1691called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2027called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 2028automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2029method.
1693 2030
1694=item w->start () 2031=item w->start ()
1695 2032
1696Starts 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
1697constructor already takes the loop. 2034constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 2035
1699=item w->stop () 2036=item w->stop ()
1700 2037
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2038Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 2039
1703=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2040=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1704 2041
1705For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2042For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1706C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2043C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1707 2044
1708=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2045=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1709 2046
1710Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2047Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1711 2048
1712=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2049=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1713 2050
1714Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2051Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1715 2052
1716=back 2053=back
1717 2054
1727 2064
1728 myclass (); 2065 myclass ();
1729 } 2066 }
1730 2067
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2068 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 { 2069 {
2070 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2071 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2072
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2073 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1736 } 2074 }
1737 2075
1738 2076
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2077=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2078
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2079Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2080of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2081functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2082
1745To 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
1746following macros are defined: 2084following macros are defined:
1747 2085
1748=over 4 2086=over 4
1780Similar 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
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2119loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2120
1783=back 2121=back
1784 2122
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2123Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2124macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2125or not.
1787 2126
1788 static void 2127 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2128 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2129 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2130 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1793 2132
1794 ev_check check; 2133 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2134 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2135 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2136 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798
1799 2137
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2138=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2139
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2140Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2141applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1843 ev_vars.h 2181 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2182 ev_wrap.h
1845 2183
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2184 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2185
1848 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)
1849 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)
1850 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)
1851 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)
1852 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)
1853 2191
1978 2316
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2317=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2318
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2319reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1982 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
1983=item EV_H 2327=item EV_H
1984 2328
1985The 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
1986undefined 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
1987can 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.
2010will 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
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2355additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2356for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2357argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 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
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2376=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 2377
2017If 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
2018defined 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
2019code. 2380code.
2020 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
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2388=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 2389
2023If 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
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2391defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 2392
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2409=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 2410
2044C<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
2045pid. 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
2046than 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
2047increase 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).
2048 2423
2049=item EV_COMMON 2424=item EV_COMMON
2050 2425
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2426By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2052this 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
2081interface) 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
2082will 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
2083file. 2458file.
2084 2459
2085The 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
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2461that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 2462
2463 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2464 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2465 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2466 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2467 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2468 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2469 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2470 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2471 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 2472
2093 #include "ev++.h" 2473 #include "ev++.h"
2094 2474
2095And 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:
2096 2476
2102 2482
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2483In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2484libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2485documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 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
2107=over 4 2493=over 4
2108 2494
2109=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)
2110 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
2111=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)
2112 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
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2506=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2114 2507
2508These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2509=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2116 2510
2117=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).
2118 2516
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2517=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2120 2518
2121=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)
2122 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
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2524=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2124 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
2125=back 2532=back
2126 2533
2127 2534
2128=head1 AUTHOR 2535=head1 AUTHOR
2129 2536

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