sharing global data between httpd processes

[gregorovius]

Dear fellow Monks,

I want to share global data between my Apache httpd processes. I know I can use Apache::Session for this (by reserving a session id for the global data, as its manpage says) but I want to ask for your help in finding if there are any wiser/faster/simpler alternatives.

I've seen for instance that the MS-IIS Application object is fast and simple. God knows how it's implemented! (Apache::ASP is a great alternative, but not for my plain vanilla legacy app)

I do know that Apache::Session will be fast enough, but I'd also like not to require my potential users with too many more extra module installs. (Apache::Session depends on three or four other modules).

Thanks in advance!

Gregorovius

[merlyn]

Never underestimate the power of a simple shared file. I sped up my pictures area recently with a simple well-placed couple of calls to File::Cache to permit sharing of the data computed for a particular directory. Works like a champ!

-- Randal L. Schwartz, Perl hacker

[extremely]

Your options are:
• Shared memory segments (mod_perl makes it easy)
• Background process server (Fast_CGI)
• DBI + a fast DB like MySQL
• ... stuff I don't know about... =)

--
$you = new YOU;
honk() if $you->love(perl)

[lhoward]

Apache::Session is your answer. There are several companion modules to Apache::Session that allow for in-memory storage of sessions. Blindingly fast. See:
• Apache::Session::Daemon
• Apache::Session::IPC
• Apache::Session::MemoryStore

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Ammendment : looks like those modules haven't been part of Apache::Session since at least version 1.03 (Apache::Session is currently on 1.53). I wonder whee they went.