PIDFILE(3)

NAME
pidfile - write a daemon pid file

LIBRARY
libutil

SYNOPSIS
#include <util.h>
int
pidfile(const char *basename);

DESCRIPTION
pidfile() writes a file containing the process ID of the program to the /var/run directory. The file name has the form /var/run/basename.pid. If the basename argument is NULL, pidfile will determine the program name and use that instead.

The pid file can be used as a quick reference if the process needs to be sent a signal. When the program exits, the pid file will be removed automatically, unless the program receives a fatal signal.

Note that only the first invocation of pidfile causes a pid file to be written; subsequent invocations have no effect unless a new basename is supplied. If called with a new basename, pidfile() will remove the old pid file and write the new one.

RETURN VALUES
pidfile() returns 0 on success and -1 on failure.

SEE ALSO
atexit(3)

HISTORY
The pidfile function call appeared in NetBSD 1.5.

BUGS
pidfile() uses atexit(3) to ensure the pidfile is unlinked at program exit. However, programs that use the _exit(2) function (for example, in signal handlers) will not trigger this behaviour.