1-800-RC(8)-HELP: Dial Into FreeBSD Service Scripts Mastery!

Mateusz Piotrowski

The presentation delves deep into the rc(8) service scripts. We will begin by analyzing the service script framework in FreeBSD, which is built around rc(8) and rc.subr(8), and take a closer look at some of the most recent additions. Next, we will not only discuss common patterns used to implement different kinds of service scripts (i.e., the scripts residing in rc.d directories) but also examine unusual and complex scripts in detail. Additionally, we will explore all the most relevant parts of the rc(8) subsystem, such as rc.conf(8), rcorder(8), sysrc(8), and service(8). As a result, you should be able to easily design, implement, debug, and maintain FreeBSD service scripts.