Entry

What are the benefits of using --enable-sysvsem and --enable-sysvshm?

May 15th, 2000 20:47
Nathan Wallace, Richard Lynch

These two allow the usage of "shared memory":  One can then put some
data into a chunk of RAM associated with a key, and then other processes
(including other PHP/httpd processes) can access this memory using the
same key.

It's not widely used, since the average PHP scripter will have a hard
time keeping correct track of what's where and cleaning up after
themselves with this technology.  It also is really only useful for
smallish chunks of data.

It is up to you to guarantee uniqueness of "keys" for lookups across
*ALL* processes using shared memory on your computer, as well as
cleaning up data you no longer need.

While it's really cool technology, it's not for the beginner.