What do the 3-letter prefixes mean in /etc/rc.d/rc3.d ?

[Glen Scott]

In the /etc/rc.d/rc3.d directory are a load of symbolic links to certain services that are started when the server starts. However, I am unsure what the 3 letter prefixes attached to the files signify. Some examples include K05, S90 and S99.

Is there a page explaining these codes?

- Thanks,

Glen

[MBMarduk]

This is the so-called "System V" or "SysV" boot method.

K means "this program is going to be KILLED" the numbers give the order; first 01 then 02 then the next and so on.

S means "this program is going to be STARTED" and it starts the 01 then 02 and so on.

_ALL_ of these symlinks get their turn in that runlevel (rc3.d = runlevel 3)

So if YOU want to put in a script of some sort; you put in /etc/init.d (i think?) and you put your symlink in here as e.g. "S99myproggy" which points to "/etc/init.d/myproggy"

Note: only CAPITALS get their turn; small letters (s and k as opposed to S and K) don't do anything.

-Mike

[bdg1983]

Of course the NHF here (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/osbooting/sysvinit.html) on SysV will also help explain.

[MBMarduk]

:mad: I always forget to suggest those. :o

[Glen Scott]

Okay, that's great - thanks guys. Just one more question- does it matter if two links share the same code? I have two links with the code S90.

- Glen

[MBMarduk]

Nah, AFAIK if it's a _SYM_link there's just ONE ACTUAL file and one or more LINKS. :)

<EDIT> If two or three or more runlevels (=directories) need to start/kill a service AT THE SAME TIME IN THE BOOT PROCESS (= e.g. every time after S89, before S91), then they'll all have a similar code in every directory.

[ 28 March 2001: Message edited by: MBMarduk ]