Should I use uvw or directly use libuv in my C++ project?

uvw is better if you prefer modern C++ idioms and type safety, while direct libuv usage suits those needing minimal overhead or already familiar with its C API. uvw adds a wrapper layer but maintains full compatibility.

How do I set up uvw with CMake in my project?

Enable the UVW_BUILD_LIBS option in CMake to compile it as a static library, linking against uvw::uvw-static. For header-only usage, include uvw.hpp and set include paths manually, as per the build instructions.

What C++ standard is required for uvw?

uvw requires at least C++17, as stated in the build requirements, to leverage features like smart pointers and type-safe interfaces. Ensure your compiler supports this standard.

Is uvw thread-safe for concurrent applications?

uvw follows libuv's threading model; event loops are not thread-safe by default, but handles can be used across threads with proper synchronization, similar to native libuv usage.

How does uvw handle memory leaks compared to raw libuv?

uvw uses shared pointers for automatic memory management of handles and requests, reducing manual cleanup errors, but still requires explicit closing of handles as per libuv rules to avoid leaks.

Can I use uvw to build an HTTP server from scratch?

Yes, but uvw only provides TCP handles; you'll need to implement HTTP protocol logic yourself or use additional libraries, as it doesn't include high-level protocol support out-of-the-box.

uvw — C++17 Wrapper for libuv

What is uvw?

uvw is a header-only, event-based wrapper for libuv written in modern C++. It provides a clean, type-safe C++ API for libuv's asynchronous I/O capabilities while maintaining full compatibility with libuv's original interface and semantics. The library solves the problem of using libuv's C API in C++ projects by offering a more idiomatic and resource-safe programming model.

Target Audience

C++ developers building cross-platform asynchronous applications, network services, or system tools who want to leverage libuv's capabilities with a modern C++ interface. It's particularly useful for those familiar with libuv who prefer C++'s type safety and resource management features.

Value Proposition

Developers choose uvw because it provides a faithful, zero-overhead wrapper for libuv with a clean C++ API, eliminating the need to work directly with libuv's C interface. Its header-only option simplifies integration, while the event-based design aligns with modern asynchronous programming patterns.

Header-only, event based, tiny and easy to use libuv wrapper in modern C++ - now available as also shared/static library!

Use Cases

Best For

Building cross-platform network servers in C++
Creating asynchronous file system utilities
Developing event-driven system tools
Wrapping libuv functionality in C++ projects
Learning libuv concepts with a C++ interface
Prototyping network applications quickly with modern C++

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring built-in high-level network protocols like HTTP or WebSocket without additional libraries
Teams with no prior experience in libuv, as uvw requires understanding its lifecycle and semantics
Environments with extreme performance constraints where the C++ abstraction layer might add minimal overhead
Applications needing GUI components or server-side rendering, as uvw is focused on low-level asynchronous I/O

Pros & Cons

Pros

Header-Only Flexibility

Can be used as a header-only library for easy integration or compiled as a static library for optimized builds, offering flexibility in project setup as described in the 'Library' section.

Modern C++ Design

Leverages C++17 features, smart pointers, and type-safe interfaces to provide a clean, resource-safe programming model, transforming libuv's C API into an event-driven C++ interface.

Full libuv Compatibility

Faithfully wraps libuv without adding abstraction layers, ensuring users follow the same rules and patterns as native libuv development, maintaining zero-overhead compatibility.

Event-Based API

Resources act as event emitters with listeners for specific events like data reception or errors, simplifying callback management and aligning with modern asynchronous patterns.

Cons

Libuv Knowledge Required

Since uvw doesn't abstract libuv's semantics, developers must understand libuv's complex lifecycle rules, which can be a barrier for newcomers without prior experience.

Limited Higher-Level Features

Strictly wraps libuv and doesn't provide additional utilities like built-in protocol support, requiring extra work for common tasks such as HTTP server implementation.

Complex Versioning Scheme

Versioning is tied to libuv releases (e.g., v1.0.0_libuv-v1.12), making dependency management more cumbersome and potentially confusing compared to standalone libraries.

What is uvw?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Building cross-platform network servers in C++
Creating asynchronous file system utilities
Developing event-driven system tools
Wrapping libuv functionality in C++ projects
Learning libuv concepts with a C++ interface
Prototyping network applications quickly with modern C++

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring built-in high-level network protocols like HTTP or WebSocket without additional libraries
Teams with no prior experience in libuv, as uvw requires understanding its lifecycle and semantics
Environments with extreme performance constraints where the C++ abstraction layer might add minimal overhead
Applications needing GUI components or server-side rendering, as uvw is focused on low-level asynchronous I/O

Pros & Cons

Pros

Header-Only Flexibility

Can be used as a header-only library for easy integration or compiled as a static library for optimized builds, offering flexibility in project setup as described in the 'Library' section.

Modern C++ Design

Leverages C++17 features, smart pointers, and type-safe interfaces to provide a clean, resource-safe programming model, transforming libuv's C API into an event-driven C++ interface.

Full libuv Compatibility

Faithfully wraps libuv without adding abstraction layers, ensuring users follow the same rules and patterns as native libuv development, maintaining zero-overhead compatibility.

Event-Based API

Resources act as event emitters with listeners for specific events like data reception or errors, simplifying callback management and aligning with modern asynchronous patterns.

Cons

Libuv Knowledge Required

Since uvw doesn't abstract libuv's semantics, developers must understand libuv's complex lifecycle rules, which can be a barrier for newcomers without prior experience.

Limited Higher-Level Features

Strictly wraps libuv and doesn't provide additional utilities like built-in protocol support, requiring extra work for common tasks such as HTTP server implementation.

Complex Versioning Scheme

Versioning is tied to libuv releases (e.g., v1.0.0_libuv-v1.12), making dependency management more cumbersome and potentially confusing compared to standalone libraries.

uvw

What is uvw?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

uvw

What is uvw?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?