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Revision 1.99 by root, Sat Dec 22 06:16:36 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
46 return 0; 48 return 0;
47 } 49 }
48 50
49=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
50 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
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 occurring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 60
55To 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
56(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
57communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
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.
101 115
102Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
103C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
104you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
105 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
106=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
107 127
108=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
109 129
110You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You 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 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
112C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<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 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
114version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
115 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
116Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 142not a problem.
120 143
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 145version.
123 146
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 150
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
157 180
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 182
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 184
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
167 191
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free 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. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
171 195
172Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
173retries: better than mine). 197retries).
174 198
175 static void * 199 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 201 {
178 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
197callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
200(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
201 225
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 227
204 static void 228 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 230 {
207 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override 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 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
260around bugs. 284around bugs.
261 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 307
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This 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, 309libev 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 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
275lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
276 320
277=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
278 322
279For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
280but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
281O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
282either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
283 330
284While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
285result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
286(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
287best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
288well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
289 336
290Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
291need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
292(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
293 340
294=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
295 342
296Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
297was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
298anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
346useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
299completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 347is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
300unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 348unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
301C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 349C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
350system like NetBSD.
302 351
303It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 352It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
304kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 353kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
305course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 354of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
306extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 355never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
307incident, so its best to avoid that. 356changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
357silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
308 358
309=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 359=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
310 360
311This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 361This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
312 362
313=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 363=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
314 364
315This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 365This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
316it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 366it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
317 367
318Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 368Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
319notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 369notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
320blocking when no data (or space) is available. 370blocking when no data (or space) is available.
321 371
322=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 372=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
323 373
353Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 403Similar 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 404always 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 405handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 406undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 407
358Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 408Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
359 409
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 410 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 411 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 412 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 413
366Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 416Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
367etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 417etc.). 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 418sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
369responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 419responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
370calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 420calling 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 421the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
372for example). 422for example).
423
424Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
425this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
426would need to be stopped manually.
427
428In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
429rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
430pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
431C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
373 432
374=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 433=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
375 434
376Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 435Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
377earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 436earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
401 460
402Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 461Like 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 462C<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. 463after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
405 464
465=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
466
467Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
468the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
469happily wraps around with enough iterations.
470
471This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
472"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
473C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
474
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 475=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 476
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 477Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 478use.
410 479
412 481
413Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 482Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
414received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 483received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
415change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 484change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
416time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 485time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
417event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 486event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
418 487
419=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 488=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
420 489
421Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 490Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
422after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 491after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
443libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 512libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 513usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 514
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 515Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 516
517 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 518 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 519 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 520 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 521 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 522 - Update the "event loop time".
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 523 - Calculate for how long to block.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 524 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 532 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 533 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 534 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 535 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
466 536
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 537Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
468anymore. 538anymore.
469 539
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 540 ... 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..) 541 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 542 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
492visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 562visible 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 563no 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 564way 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>. 565libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
496 566
497Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 567Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
498running when nothing else is active. 568running when nothing else is active.
499 569
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 570 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 571 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 572 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 573 evf_unref (loop);
504 574
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 575Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 576
507 ev_ref (myloop); 577 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 578 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
579
580=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
581
582=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
583
584These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
585for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
586invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
587
588Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
589allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
590increase efficiency of loop iterations.
591
592The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
593handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
594the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
595events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
596overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
597
598By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
599time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
600at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
601C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null bvalue will
602introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
603
604Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
605to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
606latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
607will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
608any overhead in libev.
609
610Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
611interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
612interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
613usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
614as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
509 615
510=back 616=back
511 617
512 618
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 619=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 799=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 800
695Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 801Returns 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 802events 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 803is 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 804C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 805make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
806it).
700 807
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 808=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 809
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 810Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 811
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 812=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 813
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 814Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(modulo threads). 815(modulo threads).
816
817=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
818
819=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
820
821Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
822integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
823(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
824before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
825from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
826
827This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
828invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
829example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
830watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
831
832If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
833you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
834
835You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
836pending.
837
838The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
839always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
840
841Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
842fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
843or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
844
845=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
846
847Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
848C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
849can deal with that fact.
850
851=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
852
853If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
854and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
855watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
709 856
710=back 857=back
711 858
712 859
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 860=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
734 { 881 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 882 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 883 ...
737 } 884 }
738 885
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 886More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have been omitted.... 887instead have been omitted.
888
889Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
890watchers:
891
892 struct my_biggy
893 {
894 int some_data;
895 ev_timer t1;
896 ev_timer t2;
897 }
898
899In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
900you need to use C<offsetof>:
901
902 #include <stddef.h>
903
904 static void
905 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
906 {
907 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
908 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
909 }
910
911 static void
912 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
913 {
914 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
915 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
916 }
741 917
742 918
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 919=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 920
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 921This 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 966it 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. 967C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
792 968
793If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 969If 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 970play 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 971whether 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 972such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
797its own, so its quite safe to use). 973its own, so its quite safe to use).
974
975=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
976
977Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
978descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
979such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
980descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
981this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
982registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
983fact, a different file descriptor.
984
985To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
986the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
987will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
988it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
989you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
990descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
991
992This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
993the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
994optimisations to libev.
995
996=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
997
998Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
999but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1000have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1001file descriptor might actually receive events.
1002
1003There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1004for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1005C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1006
1007=head3 The special problem of fork
1008
1009Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1010useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1011it in the child.
1012
1013To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1014C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1015enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1016C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1017
1018
1019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
798 1020
799=over 4 1021=over 4
800 1022
801=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1023=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
802 1024
814 1036
815The events being watched. 1037The events being watched.
816 1038
817=back 1039=back
818 1040
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1041Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1042readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1043attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 1044
823 static void 1045 static void
824 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1046 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
825 { 1047 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1048 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
856 1078
857The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1079The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
858but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1080but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
859order of execution is undefined. 1081order of execution is undefined.
860 1082
1083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1084
861=over 4 1085=over 4
862 1086
863=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1087=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
864 1088
865=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1089=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1102=item ev_timer_again (loop)
879 1103
880This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1104This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 1105repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 1106
1107If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1108
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1109If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1110
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1111If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1112C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1113
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1114This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1115example: 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, 1116timeout, 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 1117seconds 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 1118configure 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 1119C<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 1120you 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 1121socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
896need be. 1122automatically restart it if need be.
897 1123
898You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1124That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1125altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1126
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1127 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1128 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1129 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1130 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1132 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1133 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1135
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1136This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1137you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1138
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1139=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1140
915The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1141The 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), 1142or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1143which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1144
919=back 1145=back
920 1146
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1147Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1148
923 static void 1149 static void
924 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1150 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
925 { 1151 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1152 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
928 1154
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1155 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1156 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1157 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1158
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1159Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1160inactivity.
935 1161
936 static void 1162 static void
937 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1163 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
938 { 1164 {
958but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1184but 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 1185to 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 () 1186periodic 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 1187+ 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 1188take 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 1189roughly 10 seconds later).
964again).
965 1190
966They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1191They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
967triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1192triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1193rules.
968 1194
969As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1195As 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 1196time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
971during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1197during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
972 1198
1199=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1200
973=over 4 1201=over 4
974 1202
975=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1203=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
976 1204
977=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1205=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 1207Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
980operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1208operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
981 1209
982=over 4 1210=over 4
983 1211
984=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1212=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
985 1213
986In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1214In 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, 1215C<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 1216that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
989system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1217system time reaches or surpasses this time.
990 1218
991=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1219=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1220
993In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1221In 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 1222C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
995of any time jumps. 1223and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
996 1224
997This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1225This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
998time: 1226time:
999 1227
1000 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1228 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1006 1234
1007Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1235Another 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 1236C<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. 1237time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1010 1238
1239For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1240C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1241this value.
1242
1011=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1243=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1012 1244
1013In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1245In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1014ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1246ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1015reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1247reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1016current time as second argument. 1248current time as second argument.
1017 1249
1018NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1250NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1019ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1251ever, 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 1252return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1021starting a prepare watcher). 1253starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1022 1254
1023Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1255Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1024ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1256ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1025 1257
1026 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1258 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1281Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1050when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1282when 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 1283a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1052program when the crontabs have changed). 1284program when the crontabs have changed).
1053 1285
1286=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1287
1288When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1289absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1290
1291Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1292timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1293
1054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1294=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1055 1295
1056The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1296The 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 1297take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1058called. 1298called.
1061 1301
1062The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1302The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1063switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1303switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1304the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1305
1306=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1307
1308When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1309trigger next.
1310
1066=back 1311=back
1067 1312
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1313Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1314system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1315potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1071 1316
1072 static void 1317 static void
1073 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1318 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1077 1322
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1323 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1324 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1325 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1326
1082Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1327Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1083 1328
1084 #include <math.h> 1329 #include <math.h>
1085 1330
1086 static ev_tstamp 1331 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1332 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1334 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1335 }
1091 1336
1092 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1337 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1093 1338
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1339Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1340
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1341 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1342 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1343 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1344 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1111with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1356with 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 1357as 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 1358watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1114SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1359SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1115 1360
1361=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1362
1116=over 4 1363=over 4
1117 1364
1118=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1119 1366
1120=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1367=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1131 1378
1132=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1379=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1133 1380
1134Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1381Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1135some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1382some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1383
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1136 1385
1137=over 4 1386=over 4
1138 1387
1139=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1388=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1140 1389
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1409The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1410C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1411
1163=back 1412=back
1164 1413
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1414Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1166 1415
1167 static void 1416 static void
1168 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1417 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1169 { 1418 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1419 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1185not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1434not 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 1435not 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 1436otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1437the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 1438
1439The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1440relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1441
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1442Since 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 1443calls 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 1444can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1445a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1446unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1447five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1448impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1198 1450
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1451This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1452as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1453resource-intensive.
1202 1454
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1455At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1456implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1457reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1458semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1459to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1460usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1461polling.
1462
1463=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1205 1464
1206=over 4 1465=over 4
1207 1466
1208=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1467=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1209 1468
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1532 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1274 1533
1275 1534
1276=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1535=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1277 1536
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1537Idle 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 1538priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1539count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1540
1282watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1541That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1542(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1543triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1544are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1545iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1546and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1547
1286The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1548The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1549active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1550
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1551Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1290effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1552effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1291"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1553"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1292event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1554event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1293 1555
1556=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1557
1294=over 4 1558=over 4
1295 1559
1296=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1560=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1297 1561
1298Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1562Initialises 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, 1563kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1300believe me. 1564believe me.
1301 1565
1302=back 1566=back
1303 1567
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1568Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1569callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1570
1307 static void 1571 static void
1308 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1572 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1309 { 1573 {
1310 free (w); 1574 free (w);
1355with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1619with 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 1620of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1621loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1622low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 1623
1624It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1625priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1626after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1627too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1628supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1629their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1630loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1631C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1632others).
1633
1634=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1635
1360=over 4 1636=over 4
1361 1637
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1638=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1639
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1640=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1643parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1644macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1645
1370=back 1646=back
1371 1647
1372Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1648There 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 1649into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1650(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1651use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1652embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1653into the Glib event loop).
1654
1655Method 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 1656and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1375pseudo-code only of course: 1657is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1658priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1659the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1376 1660
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1661 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 1662 static ev_timer tw;
1379 1663
1380 static void 1664 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1665 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1666 {
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 } 1667 }
1389 1668
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1669 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 1670 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1671 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 1672 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1673 int timeout = 3600000;
1674 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1675 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1676 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 1677
1398 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1678 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1679 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1680 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 1681
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1682 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1683 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 1684 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1685 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1686 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1687 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 1688
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 1689 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1690 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 1691 }
1413 } 1692 }
1414 1693
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 1694 // stop all watchers after blocking
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1696 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 1697 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1698 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 1699
1421 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1700 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1701 {
1702 // set the relevant poll flags
1703 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1704 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1705 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1706 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1707 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1708
1709 // now stop the watcher
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1710 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1711 }
1423 1712
1424 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1713 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1714 }
1715
1716Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1717in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1718
1719Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1720notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1721callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1722
1723 static void
1724 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1725 {
1726 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1727 update_now (EV_A);
1728
1729 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1730 }
1731
1732 static void
1733 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1734 {
1735 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1736 update_now (EV_A);
1737
1738 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1739 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1740 }
1741
1742 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1743
1744Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1745want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1746their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1747loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1748this.
1749
1750 static gint
1751 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1752 {
1753 int got_events = 0;
1754
1755 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1756 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1757
1758 if (timeout >= 0)
1759 // create/start timer
1760
1761 // poll
1762 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1763
1764 // stop timer again
1765 if (timeout >= 0)
1766 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1767
1768 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1769 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1770 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1771
1772 return got_events;
1425 } 1773 }
1426 1774
1427 1775
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1776=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 1777
1430This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1778This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1431into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1779into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1432loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1780loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1433fashion and must not be used). 1781fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1434 1782
1435There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1783There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1436prioritise I/O. 1784prioritise I/O.
1437 1785
1438As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1786As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1493 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1841 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1494 } 1842 }
1495 else 1843 else
1496 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1844 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1497 1845
1846=head2 Portability notes
1847
1848Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1849tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1850receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1851loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1852will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1853
1854While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1855C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1856work.
1857
1858When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1859usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1860your main event loop.
1861
1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1863
1498=over 4 1864=over 4
1499 1865
1500=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1866=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1501 1867
1502=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1868=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1511 1877
1512Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1878Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1513similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1879similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1514apropriate way for embedded loops. 1880apropriate way for embedded loops.
1515 1881
1516=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1882=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1517 1883
1518The embedded event loop. 1884The embedded event loop.
1519 1885
1520=back 1886=back
1521 1887
1528event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1894event 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 1895and 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 1896C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1531handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1897handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1532 1898
1899=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1900
1533=over 4 1901=over 4
1534 1902
1535=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1903=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1536 1904
1537Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1905Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1633 2001
1634To use it, 2002To use it,
1635 2003
1636 #include <ev++.h> 2004 #include <ev++.h>
1637 2005
1638(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2006This 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 2007of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2008put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2009options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1641 2010
1642It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2011Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1643C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2012classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2013that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2014you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2015
2016Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2017used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2018need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2019types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2020it).
1644 2021
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2022Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 2023
1647=over 4 2024=over 4
1648 2025
1664 2041
1665All of those classes have these methods: 2042All of those classes have these methods:
1666 2043
1667=over 4 2044=over 4
1668 2045
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2046=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 2047
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2048=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 2049
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2050=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 2051
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2052The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2053with. 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 2054
1678before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2055The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1679automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2056C<set> method before starting it.
2057
2058It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2059method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2060
2061(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2062not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1680 2063
1681The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2064The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2065
2066=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2067
2068This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2069signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2070first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2071parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2072
2073This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2074the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2075callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2076your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2077thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2078
2079Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2080
2081 struct myclass
2082 {
2083 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2084 }
2085
2086 myclass obj;
2087 ev::io iow;
2088 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2089
2090=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2091
2092Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2093callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2094C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2095
2096The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2097
2098See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2099
2100Example:
2101
2102 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2103 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1682 2104
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2105=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 2106
1685Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2107Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2108do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 2109
1688=item w->set ([args]) 2110=item w->set ([args])
1689 2111
1690Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2112Basically 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 2113called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 2114automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2115method.
1693 2116
1694=item w->start () 2117=item w->start ()
1695 2118
1696Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2119Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1697constructor already takes the loop. 2120constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 2121
1699=item w->stop () 2122=item w->stop ()
1700 2123
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2124Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 2125
1703=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2126=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1704 2127
1705For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2128For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1706C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2129C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1707 2130
1708=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2131=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1709 2132
1710Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2133Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1711 2134
1712=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2135=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1713 2136
1714Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2137Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1715 2138
1716=back 2139=back
1717 2140
1727 2150
1728 myclass (); 2151 myclass ();
1729 } 2152 }
1730 2153
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2154 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 { 2155 {
2156 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2157 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2158
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2159 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1736 } 2160 }
1737 2161
1738 2162
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2163=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2164
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2165Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2166of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2167functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2168
1745To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2169To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1746following macros are defined: 2170following macros are defined:
1747 2171
1748=over 4 2172=over 4
1780Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2204Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2205loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2206
1783=back 2207=back
1784 2208
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2209Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2210macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2211or not.
1787 2212
1788 static void 2213 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2214 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2215 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2216 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1794 ev_check check; 2219 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2220 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2221 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2222 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798 2223
1799
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2224=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2225
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2226Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2227applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1804Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2228Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1805and rxvt-unicode. 2229and rxvt-unicode.
1806 2230
1807The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2231The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1808source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2232source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1809you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2233you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1810libev somewhere in your source tree). 2234libev somewhere in your source tree).
1811 2235
1812=head2 FILESETS 2236=head2 FILESETS
1843 ev_vars.h 2267 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2268 ev_wrap.h
1845 2269
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2270 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2271
1848 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2272 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) 2273 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) 2274 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) 2275 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) 2276 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1853 2277
1902 2326
1903If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2327If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1904monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2328monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1905of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2329of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1906usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2330usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1907the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2331the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1908to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2332to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1909function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2333function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1910 2334
1911=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2335=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1912 2336
1913If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2337If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1914realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2338realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1915runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2339runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1916be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2340be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1917(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2341(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1918in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2342note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2343
2344=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2345
2346If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2347and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1919 2348
1920=item EV_USE_SELECT 2349=item EV_USE_SELECT
1921 2350
1922If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2351If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1923C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2352C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1978 2407
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2408=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2409
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2410reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1982 2411
2412=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2413
2414If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2415interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2416be detected at runtime.
2417
1983=item EV_H 2418=item EV_H
1984 2419
1985The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2420The 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 2421undefined 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. 2422can 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 2445will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2446additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2447for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2448argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 2449
2450=item EV_MINPRI
2451
2452=item EV_MAXPRI
2453
2454The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2455C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2456provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2457to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2458
2459When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2460all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2461and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2462fine.
2463
2464If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2465C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2466
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2467=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 2468
2017If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2469If 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 2470defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2019code. 2471code.
2020 2472
2473=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2474
2475If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2476defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2477code.
2478
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2479=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 2480
2023If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2481If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2482defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 2483
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2500=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 2501
2044C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2502C<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 2503pid. 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 2504than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2047increase this value. 2505increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2506
2507=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2508
2509C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2510inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2511usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2512watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2513two).
2048 2514
2049=item EV_COMMON 2515=item EV_COMMON
2050 2516
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2517By 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 2518this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2065 2531
2066=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2532=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2067 2533
2068Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2534Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2069and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2535and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2070definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2536definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2071their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2537their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2072avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2538avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2073method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2539method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2540
2541=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2542
2543If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2544exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2545all public symbols, one per line:
2546
2547 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2548 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2549
2550This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2551multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2552itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2553
2554A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2555include before including F<ev.h>:
2556
2557 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2558
2559This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2560
2561 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2562 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2563 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2564 ...
2074 2565
2075=head2 EXAMPLES 2566=head2 EXAMPLES
2076 2567
2077For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2568For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2078verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2569verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2081interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2572interface) 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 2573will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2083file. 2574file.
2084 2575
2085The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2576The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2577that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 2578
2579 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2580 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2581 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2582 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2583 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2584 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2585 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2586 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2587 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 2588
2093 #include "ev++.h" 2589 #include "ev++.h"
2094 2590
2095And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2591And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2096 2592
2102 2598
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2599In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2600libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2601documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 2602
2603All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2604extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2605happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2606mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2607it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2608
2107=over 4 2609=over 4
2108 2610
2109=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2611=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2110 2612
2613This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2614there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2615have to skip those 100 watchers.
2616
2111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2617=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2112 2618
2619That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2620as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2621
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2622=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2114 2623
2624These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2625=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2116 2626
2117=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2627=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2628
2629These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2630correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2631have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2118 2632
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2633=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2120 2634
2121=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2635=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2122 2636
2637A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2638libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2639
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2640=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2124 2641
2642=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2643
2644Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2645priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2646linearly search all the priorities.
2647
2125=back 2648=back
2126 2649
2127 2650
2128=head1 AUTHOR 2651=head1 AUTHOR
2129 2652

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