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48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 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>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
63details 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
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the 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
96called 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
97to 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
98it, 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.
99 106
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101 108
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way. 110library in any way.
112 119
113=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
114 121
115=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 123
117You 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
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<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
120symbols 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
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
123Usually, 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,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 136not a problem.
127 137
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 139version.
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 172C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 173recommended ones.
164 174
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 176
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 178
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
184function.
174 185
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free 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,
177or 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.
178 189
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override 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
266useful 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
267around bugs. 278around bugs.
268 279
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
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 301
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev 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,
273but 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
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
283 314
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 316
286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 317For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
288O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 319like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
289either O(1) or O(active_fds). 320epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
321of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
322cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
323support for dup:
290 324
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 325While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 326will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 327(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 328best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 329very well if you register events for both fds.
296 330
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 331Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 332need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 333(or space) is available.
300 334
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 335=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 336
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 337Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 338was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 339sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
340useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 341is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 342unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 343C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
344system like NetBSD.
309 345
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 346It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 347kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 348of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
313extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 349never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
314incident, so its best to avoid that. 350changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
351silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
315 352
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 354
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 355This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
319 356
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 358
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 359This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 360it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324 361
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 362Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
326notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 363notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available. 364blocking when no data (or space) is available.
328 365
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 366=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 367
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 410Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 411etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
375sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 412sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 413responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 414calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 415the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 416for example).
417
418Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
419this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
420would need to be stopped manually.
421
422In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
423rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
424pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
425C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 426
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 427=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 428
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 429Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 430earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
408 454
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 455Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 456C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 457after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 458
459=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
460
461Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
462the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
463happily wraps around with enough iterations.
464
465This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
466"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
467C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
468
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 469=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 470
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 471Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 472use.
417 473
419 475
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 476Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 477received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 478change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
423time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 479time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 480event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 481
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 482=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 483
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 484Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 485after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 506libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 507usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 508
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 509Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 510
511 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 512 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 513 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 514 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 515 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 516 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 517 - Calculate for how long to block.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 518 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 757=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 758
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 759Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 760events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 761is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 762C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 763make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
764it).
707 765
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 766=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 767
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 768Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 769
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 770=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 771
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 772Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 773(modulo threads).
774
775=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
776
777=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
778
779Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
780integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
781(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
782before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
783from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
784
785This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
786invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
787example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
788watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
789
790If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
791you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
792
793You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
794pending.
795
796The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
797always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
798
799Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
800fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
801or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
802
803=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
804
805Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
806C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
807can deal with that fact.
808
809=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
810
811If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
812and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
813watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 814
717=back 815=back
718 816
719 817
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 818=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 924it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
827C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 925C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 926
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 927If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
830play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 928play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
831wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 929whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
832such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 930such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 931its own, so its quite safe to use).
932
933=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
934
935Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
936descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
937such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
938descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
939this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
940registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
941fact, a different file descriptor.
942
943To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
944the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
945will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
946it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
947you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
948descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
949
950This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
951the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
952optimisations to libev.
953
954=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
955
956Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
957but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
958have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
959file descriptor might actually receive events.
960
961There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
962for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
963C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
964
965=head3 The special problem of fork
966
967Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
968useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
969it in the child.
970
971To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
972C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
973enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
974C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
975
976
977=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
834 978
835=over 4 979=over 4
836 980
837=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 981=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
838 982
892 1036
893The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1037The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
894but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1038but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
895order of execution is undefined. 1039order of execution is undefined.
896 1040
1041=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1042
897=over 4 1043=over 4
898 1044
899=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1045=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
900 1046
901=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1047=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1060=item ev_timer_again (loop)
915 1061
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1062This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 1063repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 1064
1065If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1066
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1067If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 1068
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1069If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1070C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1071
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1072This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1073example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
926idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1074timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
927say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1075seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
928this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1076configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
929C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1077C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
930you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1078you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
931socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1079socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1080automatically restart it if need be.
933 1081
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1082That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1083altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1084
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1085 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1086 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1087 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1088 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1089 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1090 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1091 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1092 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1093
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1094This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1095you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1096
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1097=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1098
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1099The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
952or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1100or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
994but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1142but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
995to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1143to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
996periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1144periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
997+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1145+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
998take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1146take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
999roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1147roughly 10 seconds later).
1000again).
1001 1148
1002They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1149They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1003triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1150triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1151rules.
1004 1152
1005As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1153As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1006time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1154time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1007during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1155during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1008 1156
1157=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1158
1009=over 4 1159=over 4
1010 1160
1011=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1161=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1012 1162
1013=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1163=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1015Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1165Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1016operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1166operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1017 1167
1018=over 4 1168=over 4
1019 1169
1020=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1170=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1021 1171
1022In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1172In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1023C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1173C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1024that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1174that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1025system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1175system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1026 1176
1027=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1177=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1028 1178
1029In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1179In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1030C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1180C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1031of any time jumps. 1181and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1032 1182
1033This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1183This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1034time: 1184time:
1035 1185
1036 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1186 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1042 1192
1043Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1193Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1044C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1194C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1045time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1195time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1046 1196
1197For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1198C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1199this value.
1200
1047=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1201=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1048 1202
1049In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1203In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1050ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1204ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1051reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1205reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1052current time as second argument. 1206current time as second argument.
1053 1207
1054NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1208NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1055ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1209ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1056return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1210return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1057starting a prepare watcher). 1211starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1058 1212
1059Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1213Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1060ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1214ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1061 1215
1062 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1216 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1085Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1239Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1086when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1240when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1087a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1241a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1088program when the crontabs have changed). 1242program when the crontabs have changed).
1089 1243
1244=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1245
1246When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1247absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1248
1249Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1250timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1251
1090=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1252=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1091 1253
1092The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1254The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1093take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1255take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1094called. 1256called.
1096=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1258=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1097 1259
1098The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1260The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1099switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1261switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1100the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1262the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1263
1264=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1265
1266When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1267trigger next.
1101 1268
1102=back 1269=back
1103 1270
1104Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1271Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1105system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1272system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1147with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1314with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1148as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1315as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1149watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1316watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1150SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1317SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1151 1318
1319=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1320
1152=over 4 1321=over 4
1153 1322
1154=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1323=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1155 1324
1156=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1325=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1167 1336
1168=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1337=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1169 1338
1170Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1339Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1171some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1340some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1341
1342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1172 1343
1173=over 4 1344=over 4
1174 1345
1175=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1346=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1176 1347
1220The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1391The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1392not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1222not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1393not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1223otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1394otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1395the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1396
1397The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1398relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1225 1399
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1400Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1227calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1401calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1228can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1402can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1403a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1241reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1415reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1242semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1416semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1243to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1417to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1244usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1418usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1245polling. 1419polling.
1420
1421=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1246 1422
1247=over 4 1423=over 4
1248 1424
1249=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1425=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1250 1426
1314 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1490 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1315 1491
1316 1492
1317=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1493=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1318 1494
1319Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1495Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1320(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1496priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1321as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1497count).
1322imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1498
1323watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1499That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1500(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1501triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1502are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1324until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1503iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1325busy. 1504and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1326 1505
1327The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1506The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1328active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1507active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1329 1508
1330Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1509Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1331effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1510effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1332"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1511"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1333event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1512event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1513
1514=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1334 1515
1335=over 4 1516=over 4
1336 1517
1337=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1518=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1338 1519
1396with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1577with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1397of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1578of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1398loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1579loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1399low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1580low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1400 1581
1582It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1583priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1584after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1585too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1586supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1587their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1588loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1589C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1590others).
1591
1592=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1593
1401=over 4 1594=over 4
1402 1595
1403=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1596=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1404 1597
1405=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1598=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1408parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1601parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1409macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1602macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1410 1603
1411=back 1604=back
1412 1605
1413Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1606There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1414and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1607into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1608(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1609use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1610embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1611into the Glib event loop).
1612
1613Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1415in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1614and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1416pseudo-code only of course: 1615is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1616priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1617the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1417 1618
1418 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1619 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1419 static ev_timer tw; 1620 static ev_timer tw;
1420 1621
1421 static void 1622 static void
1422 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1623 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1423 { 1624 {
1424 // set the relevant poll flags
1425 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1426 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1427 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1428 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1429 } 1625 }
1430 1626
1431 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1627 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1432 static void 1628 static void
1433 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1629 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1434 { 1630 {
1435 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1631 int timeout = 3600000;
1632 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1436 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1633 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1437 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1634 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1438 1635
1439 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1636 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1440 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1637 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1441 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1638 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1442 1639
1443 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1640 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1444 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1641 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1445 { 1642 {
1446 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1643 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1447 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1644 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1448 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1645 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1449 1646
1450 fds [i].revents = 0; 1647 fds [i].revents = 0;
1451 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1452 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1648 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1453 } 1649 }
1454 } 1650 }
1455 1651
1456 // stop all watchers after blocking 1652 // stop all watchers after blocking
1458 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1654 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1459 { 1655 {
1460 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1656 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1461 1657
1462 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1658 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1659 {
1660 // set the relevant poll flags
1661 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1662 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1663 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1664 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1665 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1666
1667 // now stop the watcher
1463 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1668 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1669 }
1464 1670
1465 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1671 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1672 }
1673
1674Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1675in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1676
1677Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1678notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1679callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1680
1681 static void
1682 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1683 {
1684 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1685 update_now (EV_A);
1686
1687 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1688 }
1689
1690 static void
1691 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1692 {
1693 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1694 update_now (EV_A);
1695
1696 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1697 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1698 }
1699
1700 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1701
1702Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1703want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1704their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1705loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1706this.
1707
1708 static gint
1709 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1710 {
1711 int got_events = 0;
1712
1713 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1714 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1715
1716 if (timeout >= 0)
1717 // create/start timer
1718
1719 // poll
1720 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1721
1722 // stop timer again
1723 if (timeout >= 0)
1724 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1725
1726 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1727 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1728 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1729
1730 return got_events;
1466 } 1731 }
1467 1732
1468 1733
1469=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1734=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1470 1735
1471This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1736This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1472into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1737into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1473loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1738loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1474fashion and must not be used). 1739fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1475 1740
1476There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1741There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1477prioritise I/O. 1742prioritise I/O.
1478 1743
1479As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1744As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1534 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1799 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1535 } 1800 }
1536 else 1801 else
1537 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1802 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1538 1803
1804=head2 Portability notes
1805
1806Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1807tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1808receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1809loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1810will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1811
1812While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1813C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1814work.
1815
1816When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1817usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1818your main event loop.
1819
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821
1539=over 4 1822=over 4
1540 1823
1541=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1824=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1542 1825
1543=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1826=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1552 1835
1553Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1836Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1554similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1837similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1555apropriate way for embedded loops. 1838apropriate way for embedded loops.
1556 1839
1557=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1840=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1558 1841
1559The embedded event loop. 1842The embedded event loop.
1560 1843
1561=back 1844=back
1562 1845
1569event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1852event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1570and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1853and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1571C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1854C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1572handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1855handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1573 1856
1857=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1858
1574=over 4 1859=over 4
1575 1860
1576=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1861=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1577 1862
1578Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1863Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1674 1959
1675To use it, 1960To use it,
1676 1961
1677 #include <ev++.h> 1962 #include <ev++.h>
1678 1963
1679(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1964This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1680and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1965of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1681namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1966put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1967options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1682 1968
1683It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1969Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1684C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1970classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1971that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1972you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1973
1974Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1975used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1976need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1977types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1978it).
1685 1979
1686Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1980Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1687 1981
1688=over 4 1982=over 4
1689 1983
1705 1999
1706All of those classes have these methods: 2000All of those classes have these methods:
1707 2001
1708=over 4 2002=over 4
1709 2003
1710=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2004=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1711 2005
1712=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2006=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1713 2007
1714=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2008=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1715 2009
1716The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2010The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1717the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2011with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1718C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2012
1719before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2013The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1720automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2014C<set> method before starting it.
2015
2016It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2017method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2018
2019(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2020not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1721 2021
1722The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2022The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2023
2024=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2025
2026This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2027signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2028first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2029parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2030
2031This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2032the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2033callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2034your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2035thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2036
2037Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2038
2039 struct myclass
2040 {
2041 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2042 }
2043
2044 myclass obj;
2045 ev::io iow;
2046 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2047
2048=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2049
2050Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2051callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2052C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2053
2054The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2055
2056See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2057
2058Example:
2059
2060 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2061 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1723 2062
1724=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2063=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1725 2064
1726Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2065Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1727do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2066do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1728 2067
1729=item w->set ([args]) 2068=item w->set ([args])
1730 2069
1731Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2070Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1732called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2071called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1733automatically stopped and restarted. 2072automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2073method.
1734 2074
1735=item w->start () 2075=item w->start ()
1736 2076
1737Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2077Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1738constructor already takes the loop. 2078constructor already stores the event loop.
1739 2079
1740=item w->stop () 2080=item w->stop ()
1741 2081
1742Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2082Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1743 2083
1744=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2084=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1745 2085
1746For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2086For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1747C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2087C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1748 2088
1749=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2089=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1750 2090
1751Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2091Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1752 2092
1753=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2093=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1754 2094
1755Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2095Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1756 2096
1757=back 2097=back
1758 2098
1768 2108
1769 myclass (); 2109 myclass ();
1770 } 2110 }
1771 2111
1772 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2112 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1773 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1774 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1775 { 2113 {
2114 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2115 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2116
1776 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2117 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1777 } 2118 }
1778 2119
1779 2120
1780=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2121=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1781 2122
1782Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2123Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1783C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2124of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1784callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2125functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1785 2126
1786To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2127To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1787following macros are defined: 2128following macros are defined:
1788 2129
1789=over 4 2130=over 4
1821Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2162Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1822loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2163loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1823 2164
1824=back 2165=back
1825 2166
1826Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2167Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1827wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2168macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2169or not.
1828 2170
1829 static void 2171 static void
1830 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2172 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1831 { 2173 {
1832 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2174 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835 ev_check check; 2177 ev_check check;
1836 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2178 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1837 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2179 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1838 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2180 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1839 2181
1840
1841=head1 EMBEDDING 2182=head1 EMBEDDING
1842 2183
1843Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2184Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1844applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2185applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1845Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2186Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1846and rxvt-unicode. 2187and rxvt-unicode.
1847 2188
1848The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2189The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1849source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2190source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1850you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2191you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1851libev somewhere in your source tree). 2192libev somewhere in your source tree).
1852 2193
1853=head2 FILESETS 2194=head2 FILESETS
1884 ev_vars.h 2225 ev_vars.h
1885 ev_wrap.h 2226 ev_wrap.h
1886 2227
1887 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2228 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1888 2229
1889 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2230 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1890 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2231 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1891 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2232 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1892 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2233 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2234 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 2235
1943 2284
1944If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2285If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1945monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2286monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1946of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2287of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1947usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2288usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1948the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2289the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1949to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2290to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1950function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2291function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1951 2292
1952=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2293=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1953 2294
1954If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2295If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1955realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2296realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1956runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2297runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1957be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2298be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1958(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2299(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1959in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2300note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1960 2301
1961=item EV_USE_SELECT 2302=item EV_USE_SELECT
1962 2303
1963If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2304If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1964C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2305C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2057will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2398will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2058additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2399additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2059for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2400for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2060argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2401argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2061 2402
2403=item EV_MINPRI
2404
2405=item EV_MAXPRI
2406
2407The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2408C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2409provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2410to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2411
2412When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2413all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2414and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2415fine.
2416
2417If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2418C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2419
2062=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2420=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2063 2421
2064If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2422If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2423defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2424code.
2425
2426=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2427
2428If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2065defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2429defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2066code. 2430code.
2067 2431
2068=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2432=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2069 2433
2120 2484
2121=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2485=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2122 2486
2123Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2487Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2124and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2488and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2125definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2489definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2126their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2490their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2127avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2491avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2128method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2492method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2493
2494=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2495
2496If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2497exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2498all public symbols, one per line:
2499
2500 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2501 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2502
2503This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2504multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2505itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2506
2507A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2508include before including F<ev.h>:
2509
2510 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2511
2512This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2513
2514 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2515 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2516 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2517 ...
2129 2518
2130=head2 EXAMPLES 2519=head2 EXAMPLES
2131 2520
2132For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2521For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2133verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2522verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2136interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2525interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2137will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2526will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2138file. 2527file.
2139 2528
2140The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2529The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2141that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2530that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2142 2531
2532 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2143 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2533 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2144 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2534 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2145 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2535 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2536 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2537 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2146 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2538 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2539 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2540 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2147 2541
2148 #include "ev++.h" 2542 #include "ev++.h"
2149 2543
2150And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2544And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2151 2545
2157 2551
2158In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2552In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2159libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2553libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2160documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2554documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2161 2555
2556All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2557extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2558happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2559mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2560it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2561
2162=over 4 2562=over 4
2163 2563
2164=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2564=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2165 2565
2566This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2567there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2568have to skip those 100 watchers.
2569
2166=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2570=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2167 2571
2572That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2573as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2574
2168=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2575=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2169 2576
2577These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2170=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2578=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2171 2579
2172=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2580=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2173 2581
2582These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2583correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2584have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2585
2174=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2586=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2175 2587
2176=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2588=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2177 2589
2590A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2591libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2592
2178=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2593=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2179 2594
2595=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2596
2597Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2598priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2599linearly search all the priorities.
2600
2180=back 2601=back
2181 2602
2182 2603
2183=head1 AUTHOR 2604=head1 AUTHOR
2184 2605

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