Apache is the most popular web server on the Internet because it is free, reliable, and extensible. The availability of the source code and the modular design of Apache makes it possible to extend web server functionality through the Apache API. For the most part, however, the Apache API has only been available to C programmers, and requires rebuilding the Apache server from source. mod_perl, the popular Apache module used primarily for enhanced CGI performance, changed all that by making the Apache API available to Perl programmers. With mod_perl, it becomes simple to develop Apache modules with Perl and install them without having to rebuild the web server. Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C shows how to extend web server capabilities regardless of whether the programming language is Perl or C. The book explains the design of Apache, mod_perl, and the Apache API. It then demonstrates how to use them to perform for tasks like the following:

• Rewriting CGI scripts as Apache modules to vastly improve performance
• Server-side filtering of HTML documents, to embed special markup or code (much like SSI)
• Enhancing server log functionality
• Converting file formats on the fly
• Implementing dynamic navigation bars
• Incorporating database access into CGI scripts
• Customizing access control and authorization to block robots or to use an external database for passwords

The authors are Lincoln Stein and Doug MacEachern. Lincoln is the successful author of How to Set Up and Maintain a World Wide web Site and the developer of the widely used Perl CGI.pm module. Doug is a consultant and the creator of the innovative mod_perl Apache module.

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Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C Review,  August 08 1999
Submitted by Faisal Nasim   [Respond | View]



I don't use it only for mod_perl but for SQL and Apache core hacking too :)

Guyz, you have done a nice job.

--Faisal, from Pakistan.


Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C Review,  July 29 1999
Submitted by Bob Tribit   [Respond | View]



This book is for any serious webmaster. It covers the ins and outs of the Apache server. Rich with PERL examples, pointers, and gotchas, and a C API overview that is perfect for the serious C programmer. If you want to make your web sites faster/better/robust, read this book and you'll walk away with the tools to make it happen. The authors have a done a great job of offering clear and concise examples that work on the most current version of Apache(1.3.x). It even doubles as a complete reference.


Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C Review,  April 18 1999
Submitted by Jeff Adams   [Respond | View]



I found the information useful, but the book does not provide a c programmer with enough useful information. the book is mainly about perl. I have nothing against perl, but serious backend apps are written in c and c++. The book does not cover the c interface well enough.


Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C Review,  April 18 1999
Submitted by Philippe M. Chiasson   [Respond | View]



This book is a must have for any decent Apache
hacker. For the first time, in one big reference,
you can find a complete guide to the Apache API both in
C and in Perl.

It has showned me quite a few nice tricks. It
also provided me with a much better understanding
of Apache internals. Now I stand amazed instead
of puzzled.


Writing Apache Modules with Perl and C Review,  June 09 1998
Submitted by Michael Bray   [Respond | View]



I am glad that the book focused mainly on Perl. You do have to know a fair bit of Perl for it to be useful.

Defintaly worth reading, especially if your Perl scripts are starting to become run down - use Mod_Perl rather then rewriting in C etc...

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