< Previous Page Return to Title Page Next Page >

Apache Caveats and Tricks

  • Like syslogd, Apache runs piped logging applications as root. Use secure programming practices! Careful input validation and/or "tainting" recommended.

  •  
  • Unlike syslogd, Apache starts piped logging applications immediately, not on first message.

  •  
  • If the application terminates, Apache will restart it when the next message arrives

  •  
  • Like syslogd, Apache uses sh(1) to run log monitors. Use exec to eliminate the shell's overhead or to avoid "stacking" shells.

  •  
  • To avoid problems with different log formats, use a custom log format. Or, use the error log, whose format is almost fixed. (Caveat: HostNameLookups does affect the error log format.)