diff --git a/CHANGES b/CHANGES
index f2795b2..c62a185 100644
--- a/CHANGES
+++ b/CHANGES
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 0.19:
   add io_socketpair
   add io_passfd and io_receivefd (and test/fdpassing.c)
+  io_trywrite and io_waitwrite not ignore SIGPIPE
 
 0.18:
   make libowfat compile on BSD again (sorry, and thanks to everyone who
diff --git a/io/io_canread.3 b/io/io_canread.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b40a7df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_canread.3
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+.TH io_canread 3
+.SH NAME
+io_canread \- return a file descriptor that can be read from
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_canread\fP();
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_canread returns the next file descriptor that can be read from.
+You have to have used io_wantread() on the file descriptor earlier, and
+you have to have called io_wait() or io_waituntil().
+
+These functions then keep an internal data structure on which
+descriptors were reported readable by the operating system.
+
+Please note that there is no guarantee that there still is data that can
+be read from the descriptor, just that there was data when io_wait() or
+io_waituntil() were called.  Another process could have read the data
+before you.  Look at the result from io_tryread().
+
+If there are no more descriptors that you can write to without blocking,
+io_canwrite will return -1.  In this case you should call io_wait() or
+io_waituntil() again.
+
+You should use io_tryread(3) to read from the descriptor, not plain
+read(2).  If you use read(2) and you get EAGAIN, call io_eagain(3).
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3), io_eagain(3)
diff --git a/io/io_canwrite.3 b/io/io_canwrite.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e57c9a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_canwrite.3
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+.TH io_canwrite 3
+.SH NAME
+io_canwrite \- return a file descriptor that can be written to
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_canwrite\fP();
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_canwrite returns the next file descriptor that can be written to.
+You have to have used io_wantwrite() on the file descriptor earlier, and
+you have to have called io_wait() or io_waituntil().
+
+These functions then keep an internal data structure on which
+descriptors were reported writable by the operating system.
+
+Please note that there is no guarantee that you can still write data
+without blocking to that descriptor, just that you could when io_wait()
+or io_waituntil() were called.  Another process could have written
+something before you.  Look at the result from io_trywrite().
+
+If there are no more descriptors that you can write to without blocking,
+io_canwrite will return -1.  In this case you should call io_wait() or
+io_waituntil() again.
+
+You should only use io_trywrite(3), io_sendfile(3) or iob_send(3) to
+write to the file, not plain write(2).  If you use write(2) and get
+EAGAIN, call io_eagain(3).
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3)
diff --git a/io/io_check.3 b/io/io_check.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..14ee3b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_check.3
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+.TH io_check 3
+.SH NAME
+io_check \- check for new readable or writable descriptors
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_check\fP();
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_check is like io_waituntil() with a deadline of now.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_waituntil(3)
diff --git a/io/io_close.3 b/io/io_close.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fce20af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_close.3
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+.TH io_close 3
+.SH NAME
+io_close \- close a file descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_close\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_close eliminates the descriptor numbered \fIfd\fR. This usually does not
+mean eliminating the object that the descriptor is talking to.
+(For example, if a descriptor writes to a named disk file, closing the
+descriptor will not remove the file; it simply removes one way of
+writing to the file. On the other hand, a pipe disappears as soon as no
+descriptors refer to it.)
+
+io_close has no return value; it always succeeds in deallocating the
+memory used for the descriptor.  If \fIfd\fR is not the number of a
+descriptor, io_close has no effect.
+
+io_close() is like close(), but it also removes the descriptor from the
+internal io_wait() data structures.  If you called io_fd on a
+descriptor, you need to use io_close to close it, not just close().
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3)
diff --git a/io/io_closeonexec.3 b/io/io_closeonexec.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e528de
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_closeonexec.3
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+.TH io_closeonexec 3
+.SH NAME
+io_closeonexec \- mark a file descriptor non-inheritable
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_closeonexec\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_closeonexec marks a file descriptor non-inheritable.  It will be
+automatically closed if the process executes a different one.  The
+descriptor will not be automatically closed when you fork() a new child
+process, though.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3)
diff --git a/io/io_createfile.3 b/io/io_createfile.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9267935
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_createfile.3
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+.TH io_createfile 3
+.SH NAME
+io_createfile \- create a file
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_createfile\fP(int64* d,const char* s);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_createfile sets d to the number of a new descriptor writing to the disk file
+named \fIs\fR, and returns 1. If \fIs\fR already existed, it is truncated to length 0;
+otherwise, it is created, with mode 0600.
+
+If something goes wrong, io_createfile sets \fIerrno\fR to indicate the error, and
+returns 0; it does not create a new descriptor, and it does not touch d.
+(However, it may have truncated or created the file.)
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_readfile(3)
diff --git a/io/io_dontwantread.3 b/io/io_dontwantread.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cdf4e0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_dontwantread.3
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+.TH io_dontwantread 3
+.SH NAME
+io_dontwantread \- signal that you do not want to read from a descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_dontwantread\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_dontwantread tells the next io_wait() that you don't want to read
+from this descriptor for now.  Call io_wantread() again if you change
+your mind.
+
+You have to have called io_fd on the descriptor first (io_pipe and
+io_socketpair do this for you).  Waiting on descriptors only works for
+sockets, fifos and pipes.  It may also work on devices and TTYs, but
+that is platform dependent -- you should not rely on that.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canread(3), io_wantread(3), io_fd(3)
diff --git a/io/io_dontwantwrite.3 b/io/io_dontwantwrite.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24e9941
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_dontwantwrite.3
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+.TH io_dontwantwrite 3
+.SH NAME
+io_dontwantwrite \- signal that you do not want to write to a descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_dontwantwrite\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_dontwantwrite tells the next io_wait() that you don't want to write
+to this descriptor for now.  Call io_wantwrite() again if you change
+your mind.
+
+You have to have called io_fd on the descriptor first (io_pipe and
+io_socketpair do this for you).  Waiting on descriptors only works for
+sockets, fifos and pipes.  It may also work on devices and TTYs, but
+that is platform dependent -- you should not rely on that.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3), io_wantwrite(3), io_fd(3)
diff --git a/io/io_eagain.3 b/io/io_eagain.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c582c87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_eagain.3
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+.TH io_eagain 3
+.SH NAME
+io_eagain \- tell io_wait that you got an EAGAIN
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_eagain\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+If io_wait() said that you can read from a descriptor, you try to read
+from it, and you get EAGAIN, you need to tell io_wait().  This is
+important for edge triggered event notification schemes like Linux 2.4's
+SIGIO, or you will lose events.
+
+io_tryread(), io_trywrite() and io_sendfile() and iob_send() already
+take care of this for you.
+
+This function is only of interest if you integrate io_wait() with legacy
+code that uses read/write directly.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3)
diff --git a/io/io_fd.3 b/io/io_fd.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5cfa801
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_fd.3
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+.TH io_fd 3
+.SH NAME
+io_fd \- prepare descriptor for io_wait
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_fd\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+If you want to use io_canread() and io_canwrite() on a descriptor, you
+have to use io_wait() on it first, and io_wait() has to know which
+descriptors you are interested in.  Use io_fd() for this.
+
+io_pipe and io_socketpair already call io_fd for you.
+
+Waiting on descriptors only works for sockets, fifos and pipes.  It may
+also work on devices and TTYs, but that is platform dependent -- you
+should not rely on that.  It does not work on files.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_wantread(3), io_canread(3), io_eagain(3), io_nonblock(3)
diff --git a/io/io_finishandshutdown.3 b/io/io_finishandshutdown.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16da9f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_finishandshutdown.3
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+.TH io_finishandshutdown 3
+.SH NAME
+io_finishandshutdown \- deallocate internal data structures
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_finishandshutdown\fP();
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_finishandshutdown deallocates the internal data structures of
+io_wait().  This only makes sense if you run your program in a malloc
+checker and want to eliminate the false alarms.  Your OS will free data
+structures automatically on process termination.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3)
diff --git a/io/io_getcookie.3 b/io/io_getcookie.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7847dca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_getcookie.3
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+.TH io_getcookie 3
+.SH NAME
+io_getcookie \- retrieve cookie
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void* \fBio_getcookie\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_getcookie retrieves a cookie (pointer to some anonymous data
+structure you associated with this descriptor).
+
+Use io_setcookie(3) to associate a cookie with a descriptor.
+
+If you did not associate a cookie with this descriptor, io_getcookie
+returns NULL.
+
+The idea is that you put the state associated with a TCP connection you
+serve in a common struct.  Then you do not need to have your own data
+structure to retrieve the state for a connection, you can just use the
+data structure io_wait already maintains.  The lookup works in constant
+time and should not cause any cache misses.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_setcookie(3)
diff --git a/io/io_nonblock.3 b/io/io_nonblock.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9ac3ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_nonblock.3
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+.TH io_nonblock 3
+.SH NAME
+io_nonblock \- switch to non-blocking I/O
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_nonblock\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_nonblock puts UNIX descriptor fd into ``non-blocking mode.'' Calling
+io_nonblock(\fIfd\fR) before io_fd(\fIfd\fR) makes io_tryread and
+io_trywrite faster and more efficient.
+
+Actually, current UNIX kernels do not support non-blocking descriptors; they
+support non-blocking open files. Furthermore, many programs will break if they
+encounter non-blocking mode. This means that you must not use io_nonblock for a
+descriptor inherited from another program.
+
+io_nonblock has no return value; it always succeeds. If d is not the number of
+a UNIX descriptor, io_nonblock has no effect.
+
+If io_fd is given a descriptor in blocking mode, io_tryread and io_trywrite go
+through the following contortions to avoid blocking:
+
+.RS 0
+.nr step 1 1
+.IP \n[step] 3
+Stop if poll says that the descriptor is not ready. Otherwise there's a good
+chance, but not a guarantee: even if poll says the descriptor is ready, the
+descriptor might not be ready a moment later. (Furthermore, poll can fail on
+some systems.)
+.IP \n+[step]
+Catch SIGALRM. SIGALRM must not be blocked, and must not be used elsewhere in
+the program.
+.IP \n+[step]
+Set an interval timer so that any blocking call will be interrupted by SIGALRM
+within 10 milliseconds. (Current UNIX kernels do not allow any shorter
+interval.) Of course, this may still mean a 10-millisecond delay.
+.RE
+
+If io_fd is given a descriptor in non-blocking mode (or a descriptor for a
+regular disk file), io_tryread and io_trywrite avoid these contortions.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3)
diff --git a/io/io_passfd.3 b/io/io_passfd.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce345f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_passfd.3
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+.TH io_passfd 3
+.SH NAME
+io_passfd \- pass a file descriptor over a Unix Domain socket
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_passfd\fP(int64 sock,int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_passfd transfers the file descriptor \fIfd\fR over the Unix Domain
+socket \fIsock\fR.  This works much like dup(2), only that the copy of
+the descriptor appears not in this process but at the other end of the
+Unix Domain socket (which therefore must be a process on the same
+system).
+
+The peer can then use io_receivefd(3) to receive the file descriptor.
+
+Note that the passed descriptor stays open in the sending process.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_receivefd(3)
diff --git a/io/io_pipe.3 b/io/io_pipe.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03af8be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_pipe.3
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+.TH io_pipe 3
+.SH NAME
+io_pipe \- create a Unix pipe
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_pipe\fP(int64 pfd[2]);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_pipe creates a new UNIX ``pipe.'' The pipe can receive data and provide
+data; any bytes written to the pipe can then be read from the pipe in the same
+order.
+
+A pipe is typically stored in an 8192-byte memory buffer; the exact number
+depends on the UNIX kernel. Bytes are written to the end of the buffer and read
+from the beginning of the buffer. Once a byte has been read, it is eliminated
+from the buffer, making space for another byte to be written; readers cannot
+``rewind'' a pipe to read old data. Once 8192 bytes have been written to the
+buffer, the pipe will not be ready for further writing until some of the bytes
+have been read. Once all the bytes written have been read, the pipe will not be
+ready for further reading until more bytes are written.
+
+io_pipe sets \fId\fR[0] to the number of a new descriptor reading from the pipe, and
+sets \fId\fR[1] to the number of a new descriptor writing to the pipe. It then
+returns 1 to indicate success. If something goes wrong, io_pipe returns 0,
+setting errno to indicate the error; in this case it frees any memory that it
+allocated for the new pipe, and it leaves \fId\fR alone.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_readfile(3), io_createfile(3), io_socketpair(3)
diff --git a/io/io_readfile.3 b/io/io_readfile.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..37a69e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_readfile.3
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+.TH io_readfile 3
+.SH NAME
+io_readfile \- open a file for reading
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_readfile\fP(int64* d,const char* s);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_readfile sets d to the number of a new descriptor reading from the
+disk file named \fIs\fR, and returns 1.
+
+If something goes wrong, io_readfile sets \fIerrno\fR to indicate the error, and
+returns 0; it does not create a new descriptor, and it does not touch d.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_readfile(3)
diff --git a/io/io_receivefd.3 b/io/io_receivefd.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b30fffb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_receivefd.3
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+.TH io_receivefd 3
+.SH NAME
+io_receivefd \- receive a file descriptor over a Unix Domain socket
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_receivefd\fP(int64 sock);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_receivefd receives a file descriptor from the Unix Domain socket
+\fIsock\fR.  You can send a descriptor using io_passfd(3).
+
+io_receivefd returns -1 on error or the file descriptor.
+
+The underlying Unix API can send more than one descriptor at the time.
+This function expects only one descriptor and will return the first
+one if more than one were sent.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_passfd(3)
diff --git a/io/io_sendfile.3 b/io/io_sendfile.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccaf53c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_sendfile.3
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+.TH io_sendfile 3
+.SH NAME
+io_sendfile \- send data from a file to a socket
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_sendfile\fP(int64 sock,int64 fd,uint64 off,uint64 n);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_sendfile sends data from a file to a socket.  This function tries to
+do this in a way that allows high quality operating systems to do
+zero-copy TCP (serving the data without copying the file contents to
+user space or inside kernel space).  This function will use special
+operating system "sendfile" primitives where available and use memory
+mapped I/O otherwise.  It should always be faster than using read() and
+write() to copy the data yourself.
+
+io_sendfile will return the number of bytes sent.  If an error occurred,
+it will return -1 for EAGAIN, or -3 otherwise.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_waituntil(3)
diff --git a/io/io_sendfile.c b/io/io_sendfile.c
index 5efd288..b66696b 100644
--- a/io/io_sendfile.c
+++ b/io/io_sendfile.c
@@ -28,7 +28,9 @@ int64 io_sendfile(int64 s,int64 fd,uint64 off,uint64 n) {
 #include <sys/socket.h>
 
 int64 io_sendfile(int64 out,int64 in,uint64 off,uint64 bytes) {
-  return sendfile64(out,in,off,bytes,0,0);
+  long long r=sendfile64(out,in,off,bytes,0,0);
+  if (r==-1 && errno!=EAGAIN) r=-3;
+  return r;
 }
 
 #elif defined (__sun__) && defined(__svr4__)
@@ -40,7 +42,9 @@ int64 io_sendfile(int64 out,int64 in,uint64 off,uint64 bytes) {
 
 int64 io_sendfile(int64 out,int64 in,uint64 off,uint64 bytes) {
   off64_t o=off;
-  return sendfile64(out,in,&o,bytes);
+  long long r=sendfile64(out,in,&o,bytes);
+  if (r==-1 && errno!=EAGAIN) r=-3;
+  return r;
 }
 
 #elif defined(_AIX)
diff --git a/io/io_setcookie.3 b/io/io_setcookie.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9d1b36
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_setcookie.3
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+.TH io_setcookie 3
+.SH NAME
+io_setcookie \- associate cookie with descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_setcookie\fP(int64 fd,void* cookie);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_setcookie associates a cookie (pointer to some anonymous data
+structure) with this descriptor.  Only one cookie can be associated with
+a descriptor.
+
+Use io_getcookie(3) to retrieve the cookie for a descriptor (usually
+after io_canread or io_canwrite brought it to your attention).
+
+Please note that io_close does not deallocate your cookie.  You need to
+do that yourself.
+
+The idea is that you put the state associated with a TCP connection you
+serve in a common struct.  Then you do not need to have your own data
+structure to retrieve the state for a connection, you can just use the
+data structure io_wait already maintains.  The lookup works in constant
+time and should not cause any cache misses.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_getcookie(3)
diff --git a/io/io_socketpair.3 b/io/io_socketpair.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..42c52e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_socketpair.3
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+.TH io_socketpair 3
+.SH NAME
+io_socketpair \- create a pair of sockets
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_socketpair\fP(int64 pfd[2]);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_socketpair creates a new UNIX socket pair and writes both descriptors
+to \fId\fR.  The socket pair works much like a pipe, but it is
+bidirectional (i.e. both descriptors are for reading and writing).
+
+io_socketpair returns 1 to indicate success. If something goes wrong,
+io_socketpair returns 0, setting errno to indicate the error; in this
+case it frees any memory that it allocated for the new socketpair, and
+it leaves \fId\fR alone.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_readfile(3), io_createfile(3), io_pipe(3)
diff --git a/io/io_timeout.3 b/io/io_timeout.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d05fbb4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_timeout.3
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+.TH io_timeout 3
+.SH NAME
+io_timeout \- set time limit on descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_timeout\fP(int64 fd,tai6464 deadline);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+The io library keeps track of an optional ``timeout'' for each descriptor. The
+timeout is a specific moment in time, stored in a tai6464 variable.
+
+io_timeout(\fId\fR,\fIt\fR) sets the timeout for descriptor \fId\fR to \fIt\fR.
+
+io_timeout has no return value; it always succeeds. (Space to store the timeout
+was already allocated as part of the descriptor.) It has no effect if \fId\fR is not
+the number of a descriptor.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_waituntil(3), io_timeouted(3)
diff --git a/io/io_timeouted.3 b/io/io_timeouted.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2b2af6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_timeouted.3
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+.TH io_timeouted 3
+.SH NAME
+io_timeouted \- return a file descriptor over deadline
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int64 \fBio_timeouted\fP();
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_timeouted returns the next file descriptor that is past it's deadline.
+If no descriptors are past their deadlines, it returns -1.
+
+After io_timeouted() returned -1, you should wait a second before
+calling it again.  Checking for connections past their deadline involves
+walking through the whole data structure, which may thrash the CPU
+cache needlessly.  Treat it as an expensive operation.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_timeout(3)
diff --git a/io/io_tryread.3 b/io/io_tryread.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff353f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_tryread.3
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+.TH io_tryread 3
+.SH NAME
+io_tryread \- read from a descriptor without blocking
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_tryread\fP(int64 fd,char* buf,int64 len);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_tryread tries to read \fIlen\fR bytes of data from descriptor
+\fIfd\fR into buf[0], buf[1], ..., buf[len-1]. (The effects are
+undefined if \fIlen\fR is 0 or smaller.) There are several possible
+results:
+
+.RS 0
+.IP \[bu] 3
+o_tryread returns an integer between 1 and \fIlen\fR: This number of bytes was
+available for immediate reading; the bytes were read into the beginning
+of \fIbuf\fR. Note that this number can be, and often is, smaller than \fIlen\fR;
+you must not assume that io_tryread always succeeds in reading exactly
+\fIlen\fR bytes.
+.IP \[bu]
+io_tryread returns 0: No bytes were read, because the descriptor is at
+end of file. For example, this descriptor has reached the end of a disk
+file, or is reading an empty pipe that has been closed by all writers.
+.IP \[bu]
+io_tryread returns -1, setting \fIerrno\fR to EAGAIN: No bytes were read,
+because the descriptor is not ready. For example, the descriptor is
+reading an empty pipe that could still be written to.
+.IP \[bu]
+io_tryread returns -3, setting \fIerrno\fR to something other than
+EAGAIN: No bytes were read, because the read attempt encountered a
+persistent error, such as a serious disk failure (EIO), an unreachable
+network (ENETUNREACH), or an invalid descriptor number (EBADF).
+.RE
+
+io_tryread does not pause waiting for a descriptor that is not ready.
+If you want to pause, use io_waitread or io_wait.
+
+You can make io_tryread faster and more efficient by making
+the socket non-blocking with io_nonblock().
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_nonblock(3), io_waitread(3), io_tryreadtimeout(3)
diff --git a/io/io_tryreadtimeout.3 b/io/io_tryreadtimeout.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0b73e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_tryreadtimeout.3
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+.TH io_tryreadtimeout 3
+.SH NAME
+io_tryreadtimeout \- read from a descriptor without blocking
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_tryreadtimeout\fP(int64 fd,char* buf,int64 len);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_tryreadtimeout is identical to io_tryread, with the following
+exception: if
+
+.RS 0
+.IP \[bu] 3
+io_tryread returns -1 (the descriptor is not ready for reading), and
+.IP \[bu]
+the descriptor has a timeout, and
+.IP \[bu]
+the read attempt was after the descriptor's timeout,
+.RE
+
+then io_tryreadtimeout instead returns -2, with errno set to ETIMEDOUT.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_nonblock(3), io_waitread(3), io_tryread(3)
diff --git a/io/io_trywrite.3 b/io/io_trywrite.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95835f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_trywrite.3
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+.TH io_trywrite 3
+.SH NAME
+io_trywrite \- write to a descriptor without blocking
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_trywrite\fP(int64 fd,const char* buf,int64 len);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_trywrite tries to write \fIlen\fR bytes of data from
+buf[0], buf[1], ..., buf[len-1] to descriptor \fIfd\fR. (The effects are
+undefined if \fIlen\fR is 0 or smaller.) There are several possible
+results:
+
+.RS 0
+.IP \[bu] 3
+o_trywrite returns an integer between 1 and \fIlen\fR: This number of bytes was
+immediately written from the beginning of \fIbuf\fR.
+Note that this number can be, and often is, smaller than \fIlen\fR;
+you must not assume that io_trywrite always succeeds in writing exactly
+\fIlen\fR bytes.
+.IP \[bu]
+io_trywrite returns -1, setting \fIerrno\fR to EAGAIN: No bytes were
+written, because the descriptor is not ready. For example, the
+descriptor is writing to a full pipe that could still be read.
+.IP \[bu]
+io_trywrite returns -3, setting \fIerrno\fR to something other than
+EAGAIN: No bytes were written, because the write attempt encountered a
+persistent error, such as a serious disk failure (EIO), an unreachable
+network (ENETUNREACH), or an invalid descriptor number (EBADF).
+.RE
+
+io_trywrite does not pause waiting for a descriptor that is not ready.
+If you want to pause, use io_waitread or io_wait.
+
+You can make io_trywrite faster and more efficient by making
+the socket non-blocking with io_nonblock().
+
+Once upon a time, many UNIX programs neglected to check the success of
+their writes. They would often encounter EPIPE, and would blithely
+continue writing, rather than exiting with an appropriate exit code. The
+UNIX kernel developers decided to send a SIGPIPE signal, which
+terminates the process by default, along with returning EPIPE. This
+papers over the problem without fixing it: the same programs ignore
+other errors such as EIO. One hopes that the programs have been fixed by
+now; kernels nevertheless continue to generate the SIGPIPE signal. The
+first time io_trywrite or io_waitwrite is called, it arranges for
+SIGPIPE to be ignored.  (Technically, for SIGPIPE to be caught by an
+empty signal handler, so this doesn't affect child processes.) Do not
+use SIGPIPE elsewhere in the program.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_nonblock(3), io_waitread(3), io_trywritetimeout(3)
diff --git a/io/io_trywrite.c b/io/io_trywrite.c
index 820d03f..c9b2cd5 100644
--- a/io/io_trywrite.c
+++ b/io/io_trywrite.c
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ int64 io_trywrite(int64 d,const char* buf,int64 len) {
   struct itimerval old,new;
   struct pollfd p;
   io_entry* e=array_get(&io_fds,sizeof(io_entry),d);
+  io_sigpipe();
   if (!e) { errno=EBADF; return -3; }
   if (!e->nonblock) {
     p.fd=d;
diff --git a/io/io_trywritetimeout.3 b/io/io_trywritetimeout.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe479b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_trywritetimeout.3
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+.TH io_trywritetimeout 3
+.SH NAME
+io_trywritetimeout \- write to a descriptor without blocking
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+int \fBio_trywritetimeout\fP(int64 fd,const char* buf,int64 len);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_trywritetimeout is identical to io_trywrite, with the following
+exception: if
+
+.RS 0
+.IP \[bu] 3
+io_trywrite returns -1 (the descriptor is not ready for writing), and
+.IP \[bu]
+the descriptor has a timeout, and
+.IP \[bu]
+the write attempt was after the descriptor's timeout,
+.RE
+
+then io_trywritetimeout instead returns -2, with errno set to ETIMEDOUT.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_nonblock(3), io_waitwrite(3), io_trywrite(3)
diff --git a/io/io_waitwrite.c b/io/io_waitwrite.c
index 6c434c6..a187826 100644
--- a/io/io_waitwrite.c
+++ b/io/io_waitwrite.c
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ int64 io_waitwrite(int64 d,const char* buf,int64 len) {
   long r;
   struct pollfd p;
   io_entry* e=array_get(&io_fds,sizeof(io_entry),d);
+  io_sigpipe();
   if (!e) { errno=EBADF; return -3; }
   if (e->nonblock) {
 again:
diff --git a/io/io_wantread.3 b/io/io_wantread.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f98e194
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_wantread.3
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+.TH io_wantread 3
+.SH NAME
+io_wantread \- signal that you want to read from a descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_wantread\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_wantread tells the next io_wait() that you want to read from this
+descriptor.  Call io_dontwantread() again if you change your mind.
+
+The next time you call io_wait(), it will look whether this descriptor
+becomes readable, too.  You can then use io_canread() to check whether
+the descriptor has become readable.
+
+You have to have called io_fd on the descriptor first (io_pipe and
+io_socketpair do this for you).  Waiting on descriptors only works for
+sockets, fifos and pipes.  It may also work on devices and TTYs, but
+that is platform dependent -- you should not rely on that.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canread(3), io_wantread(3), io_fd(3)
diff --git a/io/io_wantwrite.3 b/io/io_wantwrite.3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78b0dd1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/io/io_wantwrite.3
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+.TH io_wantwrite 3
+.SH NAME
+io_wantwrite \- signal that you want to write to a descriptor
+.SH SYNTAX
+.B #include <io.h>
+
+void \fBio_wantwrite\fP(int64 fd);
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+io_wantwrite tells the next io_wait() that you want to write to this
+descriptor.  Call io_dontwantwrite() again if you change your mind.
+
+The next time you call io_wait(), it will look whether this descriptor
+becomes writeable, too.  You can then use io_canwrite() to check whether
+the descriptor has become writable.
+
+You have to have called io_fd on the descriptor first (io_pipe and
+io_socketpair do this for you).  Waiting on descriptors only works for
+sockets, fifos and pipes.  It may also work on devices and TTYs, but
+that is platform dependent -- you should not rely on that.
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+io_wait(3), io_canwrite(3), io_wantwrite(3), io_fd(3)
diff --git a/io_internal.h b/io_internal.h
index 170892b..57cb5c0 100644
--- a/io_internal.h
+++ b/io_internal.h
@@ -71,4 +71,6 @@ extern long alt_firstwrite;
 
 int64 io_waituntil2(int64 milliseconds);
 
+void io_sigpipe(void);
+
 #define debug_printf(x)