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Revision 1.29 by root, Wed Dec 22 01:23:37 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.57 by root, Wed Dec 5 15:19:52 2012 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3staticperl - perl, libc, 100 modules, all in one 500kb file 3staticperl - perl, libc, 100 modules, all in one standalone 500kb file
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 staticperl help # print the embedded documentation 7 staticperl help # print the embedded documentation
8 staticperl fetch # fetch and unpack perl sources 8 staticperl fetch # fetch and unpack perl sources
9 staticperl configure # fetch and then configure perl 9 staticperl configure # fetch and then configure perl
10 staticperl build # configure and then build perl 10 staticperl build # configure and then build perl
11 staticperl install # build and then install perl 11 staticperl install # build and then install perl
12 staticperl clean # clean most intermediate files (restart at configure) 12 staticperl clean # clean most intermediate files (restart at configure)
13 staticperl distclean # delete everything installed by this script 13 staticperl distclean # delete everything installed by this script
14 staticperl perl ... # invoke the perlinterpreter
14 staticperl cpan # invoke CPAN shell 15 staticperl cpan # invoke CPAN shell
15 staticperl instmod path... # install unpacked modules 16 staticperl instsrc path... # install unpacked modules
16 staticperl instcpan modulename... # install modules from CPAN 17 staticperl instcpan modulename... # install modules from CPAN
17 staticperl mkbundle <bundle-args...> # see documentation 18 staticperl mkbundle <bundle-args...> # see documentation
18 staticperl mkperl <bundle-args...> # see documentation 19 staticperl mkperl <bundle-args...> # see documentation
19 staticperl mkapp appname <bundle-args...> # see documentation 20 staticperl mkapp appname <bundle-args...> # see documentation
20 21
21Typical Examples: 22Typical Examples:
22 23
23 staticperl install # fetch, configure, build and install perl 24 staticperl install # fetch, configure, build and install perl
24 staticperl cpan # run interactive cpan shell 25 staticperl cpan # run interactive cpan shell
25 staticperl mkperl -M '"Config_heavy.pl"' # build a perl that supports -V 26 staticperl mkperl -MConfig_heavy.pl # build a perl that supports -V
26 staticperl mkperl -MAnyEvent::Impl::Perl -MAnyEvent::HTTPD -MURI -MURI::http 27 staticperl mkperl -MAnyEvent::Impl::Perl -MAnyEvent::HTTPD -MURI -MURI::http
27 # build a perl with the above modules linked in 28 # build a perl with the above modules linked in
28 staticperl mkapp myapp --boot mainprog mymodules 29 staticperl mkapp myapp --boot mainprog mymodules
29 # build a binary "myapp" from mainprog and mymodules 30 # build a binary "myapp" from mainprog and mymodules
30 31
38file that contains perl interpreter, libc, all the modules you need, all 39file that contains perl interpreter, libc, all the modules you need, all
39the libraries you need and of course your actual program. 40the libraries you need and of course your actual program.
40 41
41With F<uClibc> and F<upx> on x86, you can create a single 500kb binary 42With F<uClibc> and F<upx> on x86, you can create a single 500kb binary
42that contains perl and 100 modules such as POSIX, AnyEvent, EV, IO::AIO, 43that contains perl and 100 modules such as POSIX, AnyEvent, EV, IO::AIO,
43Coro and so on. Or any other choice of modules. 44Coro and so on. Or any other choice of modules (and some other size :).
44 45
45To see how this turns out, you can try out smallperl and bigperl, two 46To see how this turns out, you can try out smallperl and bigperl, two
46pre-built static and compressed perl binaries with many and even more 47pre-built static and compressed perl binaries with many and even more
47modules: just follow the links at L<http://staticperl.schmorp.de/>. 48modules: just follow the links at L<http://staticperl.schmorp.de/>.
48 49
83With F<staticperl>, the burden is mostly with the developer - only direct 84With F<staticperl>, the burden is mostly with the developer - only direct
84compile-time dependencies and L<AutoLoader> are handled automatically. 85compile-time dependencies and L<AutoLoader> are handled automatically.
85This means the modules to include often need to be tweaked manually. 86This means the modules to include often need to be tweaked manually.
86 87
87All this does not preclude more permissive modes to be implemented in 88All this does not preclude more permissive modes to be implemented in
88the future, but right now, you have to resolve state hidden dependencies 89the future, but right now, you have to resolve hidden dependencies
89manually. 90manually.
90 91
91=item * PAR works out of the box, F<staticperl> does not. 92=item * PAR works out of the box, F<staticperl> does not.
92 93
93Maintaining your own custom perl build can be a pain in the ass, and while 94Maintaining your own custom perl build can be a pain in the ass, and while
139with creating binaries and bundle files. 140with creating binaries and bundle files.
140 141
141=head2 PHASE 1 COMMANDS: INSTALLING PERL 142=head2 PHASE 1 COMMANDS: INSTALLING PERL
142 143
143The most important command is F<install>, which does basically 144The most important command is F<install>, which does basically
144everything. The default is to download and install perl 5.12.2 and a few 145everything. The default is to download and install perl 5.12.3 and a few
145modules required by F<staticperl> itself, but all this can (and should) be 146modules required by F<staticperl> itself, but all this can (and should) be
146changed - see L<CONFIGURATION>, below. 147changed - see L<CONFIGURATION>, below.
147 148
148The command 149The command
149 150
186=item F<staticperl install> 187=item F<staticperl install>
187 188
188Wipes the perl installation directory (usually F<~/.staticperl/perl>) and 189Wipes the perl installation directory (usually F<~/.staticperl/perl>) and
189installs the perl distribution, potentially after building it first. 190installs the perl distribution, potentially after building it first.
190 191
192=item F<staticperl perl> [args...]
193
194Invokes the compiled perl interpreter with the given args. Basically the
195same as starting perl directly (usually via F<~/.staticperl/bin/perl>),
196but beats typing the path sometimes.
197
198Example: check that the Gtk2 module is installed and loadable.
199
200 staticperl perl -MGtk2 -e0
201
191=item F<staticperl cpan> [args...] 202=item F<staticperl cpan> [args...]
192 203
193Starts an interactive CPAN shell that you can use to install further 204Starts an interactive CPAN shell that you can use to install further
194modules. Installs the perl first if necessary, but apart from that, 205modules. Installs the perl first if necessary, but apart from that,
195no magic is involved: you could just as well run it manually via 206no magic is involved: you could just as well run it manually via
196F<~/.staticperl/perl/bin/cpan>. 207F<~/.staticperl/perl/bin/cpan>, except that F<staticperl> additionally
208sets the environment variable C<$PERL> to the path of the perl
209interpreter, which is handy in subshells.
197 210
198Any additional arguments are simply passed to the F<cpan> command. 211Any additional arguments are simply passed to the F<cpan> command.
199 212
200=item F<staticperl instcpan> module... 213=item F<staticperl instcpan> module...
201 214
252 265
253 # first make sure we have perl and the required modules 266 # first make sure we have perl and the required modules
254 staticperl instcpan AnyEvent::HTTPD 267 staticperl instcpan AnyEvent::HTTPD
255 268
256 # now build the perl 269 # now build the perl
257 staticperl mkperl -M'"Config_heavy.pl"' -MAnyEvent::Impl::Perl \ 270 staticperl mkperl -MConfig_heavy.pl -MAnyEvent::Impl::Perl \
258 -MAnyEvent::HTTPD -MURI::http \ 271 -MAnyEvent::HTTPD -MURI::http \
259 --add 'eg/httpd httpd.pm' 272 --add 'eg/httpd httpd.pm'
260 273
261 # finally, invoke it 274 # finally, invoke it
262 ./perl -Mhttpd 275 ./perl -Mhttpd
335 add eg/httpd httpd.pm 348 add eg/httpd httpd.pm
336 349
337All options that specify modules or files to be added are processed in the 350All options that specify modules or files to be added are processed in the
338order given on the command line. 351order given on the command line.
339 352
340=head3 BUNDLE CREATION WORKFLOW / STATICPELR MKBUNDLE OPTIONS 353=head3 BUNDLE CREATION WORKFLOW / STATICPERL MKBUNDLE OPTIONS
341 354
342F<staticperl mkbundle> works by first assembling a list of candidate 355F<staticperl mkbundle> works by first assembling a list of candidate
343files and modules to include, then filtering them by include/exclude 356files and modules to include, then filtering them by include/exclude
344patterns. The remaining modules (together with their direct dependencies, 357patterns. The remaining modules (together with their direct dependencies,
345such as link libraries and L<AutoLoader> files) are then converted into 358such as link libraries and L<AutoLoader> files) are then converted into
381 394
382=over 4 395=over 4
383 396
384=item C<--use> F<module> | C<-M>F<module> 397=item C<--use> F<module> | C<-M>F<module>
385 398
386Include the named module and trace direct dependencies. This is done by 399Include the named module or perl library and trace direct
387C<require>'ing the module in a subprocess and tracing which other modules 400dependencies. This is done by loading the module in a subprocess and
388and files it actually loads. 401tracing which other modules and files it actually loads.
389 402
390Example: include AnyEvent and AnyEvent::Impl::Perl. 403Example: include AnyEvent and AnyEvent::Impl::Perl.
391 404
392 staticperl mkbundle --use AnyEvent --use AnyEvent::Impl::Perl 405 staticperl mkbundle --use AnyEvent --use AnyEvent::Impl::Perl
393 406
394Sometimes you want to load old-style "perl libraries" (F<.pl> files), 407Sometimes you want to load old-style "perl libraries" (F<.pl> files), or
395or maybe other weirdly named files. To do that, you need to quote 408maybe other weirdly named files. To support this, the C<--use> option
396the name in single or double quotes (this is because F<staticperl> 409actually tries to do what you mean, depending on the string you specify:
397I<literally> just adds the string after the C<require> - which acts 410
398different when confronted with quoted vs. unquoted strings). When given on 411=over 4
399the command line, you probably need to quote once more to avoid your shell 412
400interpreting it. Common cases that need this are F<Config_heavy.pl> and 413=item a possibly valid module name, e.g. F<common::sense>, F<Carp>,
401F<utf8_heavy.pl>. 414F<Coro::Mysql>.
415
416If the string contains no quotes, no F</> and no F<.>, then C<--use>
417assumes that it is a normal module name. It will create a new package and
418evaluate a C<use module> in it, i.e. it will load the package and do a
419default import.
420
421The import step is done because many modules trigger more dependencies
422when something is imported than without.
423
424=item anything that contains F</> or F<.> characters,
425e.g. F<utf8_heavy.pl>, F<Module/private/data.pl>.
426
427The string will be quoted and passed to require, as if you used C<require
428$module>. Nothing will be imported.
429
430=item "path" or 'path', e.g. C<"utf8_heavy.pl">.
431
432If you enclose the name into single or double quotes, then the quotes will
433be removed and the resulting string will be passed to require. This syntax
434is form compatibility with older versions of staticperl and should not be
435used anymore.
436
437=back
438
439Example: C<use> AnyEvent::Socket, once using C<use> (importing the
440symbols), and once via C<require>, not importing any symbols. The first
441form is preferred as many modules load some extra dependencies when asked
442to export symbols.
443
444 staticperl mkbundle -MAnyEvent::Socket # use + import
445 staticperl mkbundle -MAnyEvent/Socket.pm # require only
402 446
403Example: include the required files for F<perl -V> to work in all its 447Example: include the required files for F<perl -V> to work in all its
404glory (F<Config.pm> is included automatically by this). 448glory (F<Config.pm> is included automatically by the dependency tracker).
405 449
406 # bourne shell 450 # shell command
407 staticperl mkbundle --use '"Config_heavy.pl"' 451 staticperl mkbundle -MConfig_heavy.pl
408 452
409 # bundle specification file 453 # bundle specification file
410 use "Config_heavy.pl" 454 use Config_heavy.pl
411 455
412The C<-M>module syntax is included as a convenience that might be easier 456The C<-M>module syntax is included as a convenience that might be easier
413to remember than C<--use> - it's the same switch as perl itself uses 457to remember than C<--use> - it's the same switch as perl itself uses
414to load modules. Or maybe it confuses people. Time will tell. Or maybe 458to load modules. Or maybe it confuses people. Time will tell. Or maybe
415not. Sigh. 459not. Sigh.
420code, or maybe one of the modules you use need a special use statement. In 464code, or maybe one of the modules you use need a special use statement. In
421that case, you can use C<--eval> to execute some perl snippet or set some 465that case, you can use C<--eval> to execute some perl snippet or set some
422variables or whatever you need. All files C<require>'d or C<use>'d while 466variables or whatever you need. All files C<require>'d or C<use>'d while
423executing the snippet are included in the final bundle. 467executing the snippet are included in the final bundle.
424 468
425Keep in mind that F<mkbundle> will only C<require> the modules named 469Keep in mind that F<mkbundle> will not import any symbols from the modules
426by the C<--use> option, so do not expect the symbols from modules you 470named by the C<--use> option, so do not expect the symbols from modules
427C<--use>'d earlier on the command line to be available. 471you C<--use>'d earlier on the command line to be available.
428 472
429Example: force L<AnyEvent> to detect a backend and therefore include it 473Example: force L<AnyEvent> to detect a backend and therefore include it
430in the final bundle. 474in the final bundle.
431 475
432 staticperl mkbundle --eval 'use AnyEvent; AnyEvent::detect' 476 staticperl mkbundle --eval 'use AnyEvent; AnyEvent::detect'
467 --incglob '/unicore/**.pl' 511 --incglob '/unicore/**.pl'
468 512
469=item C<--add> F<file> | C<--add> "F<file> alias" 513=item C<--add> F<file> | C<--add> "F<file> alias"
470 514
471Adds the given (perl) file into the bundle (and optionally call it 515Adds the given (perl) file into the bundle (and optionally call it
472"alias"). The F<file> is either an absolute path or a path relative to 516"alias"). The F<file> is either an absolute path or a path relative to the
473the current directory. If an alias is specified, then this is the name it 517current directory. If an alias is specified, then this is the name it will
474will use for C<@INC> searches, otherwise the F<file> will be used as the 518use for C<@INC> searches, otherwise the path F<file> will be used as the
475internal name. 519internal name.
476 520
477This switch is used to include extra files into the bundle. 521This switch is used to include extra files into the bundle.
478 522
479Example: embed the file F<httpd> in the current directory as F<httpd.pm> 523Example: embed the file F<httpd> in the current directory as F<httpd.pm>
480when creating the bundle. 524when creating the bundle.
481 525
482 staticperl mkperl --add "httpd httpd.pm" 526 staticperl mkperl --add "httpd httpd.pm"
527
528 # can be accessed via "use httpd"
529
530Example: add a file F<initcode> from the current directory.
531
532 staticperl mkperl --add 'initcode &initcode'
533
534 # can be accessed via "do '&initcode'"
483 535
484Example: add local files as extra modules in the bundle. 536Example: add local files as extra modules in the bundle.
485 537
486 # specification file 538 # specification file
487 add file1 myfiles/file1.pm 539 add file1 myfiles/file1.pm
491 # then later, in perl, use 543 # then later, in perl, use
492 use myfiles::file1; 544 use myfiles::file1;
493 require myfiles::file2; 545 require myfiles::file2;
494 my $res = do "myfiles/file3.pl"; 546 my $res = do "myfiles/file3.pl";
495 547
496=item C<--binadd> F<file> | C<--add> "F<file> alias" 548=item C<--binadd> F<file> | C<--binadd> "F<file> alias"
497 549
498Just like C<--add>, except that it treats the file as binary and adds it 550Just like C<--add>, except that it treats the file as binary and adds it
499without any postprocessing (perl files might get stripped to reduce their 551without any postprocessing (perl files might get stripped to reduce their
500size). 552size).
501 553
502You should probably add a C</> prefix to avoid clashing with embedded perl 554If you specify an alias you should probably add a C</> prefix to avoid
503files (whose paths do not start with C</>), and/or use a special directory 555clashing with embedded perl files (whose paths never start with C</>),
504prefix, such as C</res/name>. 556and/or use a special directory prefix, such as C</res/name>.
505 557
506You can later get a copy of these files by calling C<staticperl::find 558You can later get a copy of these files by calling C<static::find
507"alias">. 559"alias">.
508 560
509An alternative way to embed binary files is to convert them to perl and 561An alternative way to embed binary files is to convert them to perl and
510use C<do> to get the contents - this method is a bit cumbersome, but works 562use C<do> to get the contents - this method is a bit cumbersome, but works
511both inside and outside of a staticperl bundle: 563both inside and outside of a staticperl bundle, without extra ado:
512 564
513 # a "binary" file, call it "bindata.pl" 565 # a "binary" file, call it "bindata.pl"
514 <<'SOME_MARKER' 566 <<'SOME_MARKER'
515 binary data NOT containing SOME_MARKER 567 binary data NOT containing SOME_MARKER
516 SOME_MARKER 568 SOME_MARKER
517 569
518 # load the binary 570 # load the binary
519 chomp (my $data = do "bindata.pl"); 571 chomp (my $data = do "bindata.pl");
572
573=item C<--allow-dynamic>
574
575By default, when F<mkbundle> hits a dynamic perl extension (e.g. a F<.so>
576or F<.dll> file), it will stop with a fatal error.
577
578When this option is enabled, F<mkbundle> packages the shared
579object into the bundle instead, with a prefix of F<!>
580(e.g. F<!auto/List/Util/Util.so>). What you do with that is currently up
581to you, F<staticperl> has no special support for this at the moment, apart
582from working around the lack of availability of F<PerlIO::scalar> while
583bootstrapping, at a speed cost.
584
585One way to deal with this is to write all files starting with F<!> into
586some directory and then C<unshift> that path onto C<@INC>.
587
588#TODO: example
520 589
521=back 590=back
522 591
523=item Step 2: filter all files using C<--include> and C<--exclude> options. 592=item Step 2: filter all files using C<--include> and C<--exclude> options.
524 593
664The difference to the (mutually exclusive) C<--perl> option is that the 733The difference to the (mutually exclusive) C<--perl> option is that the
665binary created by this option will not try to act as a perl interpreter - 734binary created by this option will not try to act as a perl interpreter -
666instead it will simply initialise the perl interpreter, clean it up and 735instead it will simply initialise the perl interpreter, clean it up and
667exit. 736exit.
668 737
669This means that, by default, it will do nothing but burna few CPU cycles 738This means that, by default, it will do nothing but burn a few CPU cycles
670- for it to do something useful you I<must> add some boot code, e.g. with 739- for it to do something useful you I<must> add some boot code, e.g. with
671the C<--boot> option. 740the C<--boot> option.
672 741
673Example: create a standalone perl binary called F<./myexe> that will 742Example: create a standalone perl binary called F<./myexe> that will
674execute F<appfile> when it is started. 743execute F<appfile> when it is started.
675 744
676 staticperl mkbundle --app myexe --boot appfile 745 staticperl mkbundle --app myexe --boot appfile
746
747=item C<--ignore-env>
748
749Generates extra code to unset some environment variables before
750initialising/running perl. Perl supports a lot of environment variables
751that might alter execution in ways that might be undesirablre for
752standalone applications, and this option removes those known to cause
753trouble.
754
755Specifically, these are removed:
756
757C<PERL_HASH_SEED_DEBUG> and C<PERL_DEBUG_MSTATS> can cause undesirable
758output, C<PERL5OPT>, C<PERL_DESTRUCT_LEVEL>, C<PERL_HASH_SEED> and
759C<PERL_SIGNALS> can alter execution significantly, and C<PERL_UNICODE>,
760C<PERLIO_DEBUG> and C<PERLIO> can affect input and output.
761
762The variables C<PERL_LIB> and C<PERL5_LIB> are always ignored because the
763startup code used by F<staticperl> overrides C<@INC> in all cases.
764
765This option will not make your program more secure (unless you are
766running with elevated privileges), but it will reduce the surprise effect
767when a user has these environment variables set and doesn't expect your
768standalone program to act like a perl interpreter.
677 769
678=item C<--static> 770=item C<--static>
679 771
680Add C<-static> to F<bundle.ldopts>, which means a fully static (if 772Add C<-static> to F<bundle.ldopts>, which means a fully static (if
681supported by the OS) executable will be created. This is not immensely 773supported by the OS) executable will be created. This is not immensely
809=item C<STATICPERL> 901=item C<STATICPERL>
810 902
811The directory where staticperl stores all its files 903The directory where staticperl stores all its files
812(default: F<~/.staticperl>). 904(default: F<~/.staticperl>).
813 905
906=item C<DLCACHE>
907
908The path to a directory (will be created if it doesn't exist) where
909downloaded perl sources are being cached, to avoid downloading them
910again. The default is empty, which means there is no cache.
911
912=item C<PERL_VERSION>
913
914The perl version to install - default is currently C<5.12.3>, but C<5.8.9>
915is also a good choice (5.8.9 is much smaller than 5.12.3, while 5.10.1 is
916about as big as 5.12.3).
917
814=item C<PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT>, C<EV_EXTRA_DEFS>, ... 918=item C<PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT>, C<EV_EXTRA_DEFS>, ...
815 919
816Usually set to C<1> to make modules "less inquisitive" during their 920Usually set to C<1> to make modules "less inquisitive" during their
817installation, you can set any environment variable you want - some modules 921installation. You can set (and export!) any environment variable you want
818(such as L<Coro> or L<EV>) use environment variables for further tweaking. 922- some modules (such as L<Coro> or L<EV>) use environment variables for
819 923further tweaking.
820=item C<PERL_VERSION>
821
822The perl version to install - default is currently C<5.12.2>, but C<5.8.9>
823is also a good choice (5.8.9 is much smaller than 5.12.2, while 5.10.1 is
824about as big as 5.12.2).
825 924
826=item C<PERL_PREFIX> 925=item C<PERL_PREFIX>
827 926
828The prefix where perl gets installed (default: F<$STATICPERL/perl>), 927The directory where perl gets installed (default: F<$STATICPERL/perl>),
829i.e. where the F<bin> and F<lib> subdirectories will end up. 928i.e. where the F<bin> and F<lib> subdirectories will end up. Previous
929contents will be removed on installation.
830 930
831=item C<PERL_CONFIGURE> 931=item C<PERL_CONFIGURE>
832 932
833Additional Configure options - these are simply passed to the perl 933Additional Configure options - these are simply passed to the perl
834Configure script. For example, if you wanted to enable dynamic loading, 934Configure script. For example, if you wanted to enable dynamic loading,
850F<~/.staticperlrc> to override them. 950F<~/.staticperlrc> to override them.
851 951
852Most of the variables override (or modify) the corresponding F<Configure> 952Most of the variables override (or modify) the corresponding F<Configure>
853variable, except C<PERL_CCFLAGS>, which gets appended. 953variable, except C<PERL_CCFLAGS>, which gets appended.
854 954
955The default for C<PERL_OPTIMIZE> is C<-Os> (assuming gcc), and for
956C<PERL_LIBS> is C<-lm -lcrypt>, which should be good for most (but not
957all) systems.
958
959For other compilers or more customised optimisation settings, you need to
960adjust these, e.g. in your F<~/.staticperlrc>.
961
962With gcc on x86 and amd64, you can get more space-savings by using:
963
964 -Os -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -finline-limit=8 -mpush-args
965 -mno-inline-stringops-dynamically -mno-align-stringops
966
967And on x86 and pentium3 and newer (basically everything you might ever
968want to run on), adding these is even better for space-savings (use
969-mtune=core2 or something newer for much faster code, too):
970
971 -fomit-frame-pointer -march=pentium3 -mtune=i386
972
855=back 973=back
856 974
857=head4 Variables you probably I<do not want> to override 975=head4 Variables you probably I<do not want> to override
858 976
859=over 4 977=over 4
877=head3 OVERRIDABLE HOOKS 995=head3 OVERRIDABLE HOOKS
878 996
879In addition to environment variables, it is possible to provide some 997In addition to environment variables, it is possible to provide some
880shell functions that are called at specific times. To provide your own 998shell functions that are called at specific times. To provide your own
881commands, just define the corresponding function. 999commands, just define the corresponding function.
1000
1001The actual order in which hooks are invoked during a full install
1002from scratch is C<preconfigure>, C<patchconfig>, C<postconfigure>,
1003C<postbuild>, C<postinstall>.
882 1004
883Example: install extra modules from CPAN and from some directories 1005Example: install extra modules from CPAN and from some directories
884at F<staticperl install> time. 1006at F<staticperl install> time.
885 1007
886 postinstall() { 1008 postinstall() {
893 1015
894=over 4 1016=over 4
895 1017
896=item preconfigure 1018=item preconfigure
897 1019
898Called just before running F<./Configur> in the perl source 1020Called just before running F<./Configure> in the perl source
899directory. Current working directory is the perl source directory. 1021directory. Current working directory is the perl source directory.
900 1022
901This can be used to set any C<PERL_xxx> variables, which might be costly 1023This can be used to set any C<PERL_xxx> variables, which might be costly
902to compute. 1024to compute.
903 1025
1026=item patchconfig
1027
1028Called after running F<./Configure> in the perl source directory to create
1029F<./config.sh>, but before running F<./Configure -S> to actually apply the
1030config. Current working directory is the perl source directory.
1031
1032Can be used to tailor/patch F<config.sh> or do any other modifications.
1033
904=item postconfigure 1034=item postconfigure
905 1035
906Called after configuring, but before building perl. Current working 1036Called after configuring, but before building perl. Current working
907directory is the perl source directory. 1037directory is the perl source directory.
908
909Could be used to tailor/patch config.sh (followed by F<sh Configure -S>)
910or do any other modifications.
911 1038
912=item postbuild 1039=item postbuild
913 1040
914Called after building, but before installing perl. Current working 1041Called after building, but before installing perl. Current working
915directory is the perl source directory. 1042directory is the perl source directory.
953A header file that contains the prototypes of the few symbols "exported" 1080A header file that contains the prototypes of the few symbols "exported"
954by bundle.c, and also exposes the perl headers to the application. 1081by bundle.c, and also exposes the perl headers to the application.
955 1082
956=over 4 1083=over 4
957 1084
958=item staticperl_init () 1085=item staticperl_init (xs_init = 0)
959 1086
960Initialises the perl interpreter. You can use the normal perl functions 1087Initialises the perl interpreter. You can use the normal perl functions
961after calling this function, for example, to define extra functions or 1088after calling this function, for example, to define extra functions or
962to load a .pm file that contains some initialisation code, or the main 1089to load a .pm file that contains some initialisation code, or the main
963program function: 1090program function:
970 } 1097 }
971 1098
972 static void 1099 static void
973 run_myapp(void) 1100 run_myapp(void)
974 { 1101 {
975 staticperl_init (); 1102 staticperl_init (0);
976 newXSproto ("myapp::xsfunction", xsfunction, __FILE__, "$$;$"); 1103 newXSproto ("myapp::xsfunction", xsfunction, __FILE__, "$$;$");
977 eval_pv ("require myapp::main", 1); // executes "myapp/main.pm" 1104 eval_pv ("require myapp::main", 1); // executes "myapp/main.pm"
978 } 1105 }
979 1106
1107When your bootcode already wants to access some XS functions at
1108compiletime, then you need to supply an C<xs_init> function pointer that
1109is called as soon as perl is initialised enough to define XS functions,
1110but before the preamble code is executed:
1111
1112 static void
1113 xs_init (pTHX)
1114 {
1115 newXSproto ("myapp::xsfunction", xsfunction, __FILE__, "$$;$");
1116 }
1117
1118 static void
1119 run_myapp(void)
1120 {
1121 staticperl_init (xs_init);
1122 }
1123
1124=item staticperl_cleanup ()
1125
1126In the unlikely case that you want to destroy the perl interpreter, here
1127is the corresponding function.
1128
980=item staticperl_xs_init (pTHX) 1129=item staticperl_xs_init (pTHX)
981 1130
982Sometimes you need direct control over C<perl_parse> and C<perl_run>, in 1131Sometimes you need direct control over C<perl_parse> and C<perl_run>, in
983which case you do not want to use C<staticperl_init> but call them on your 1132which case you do not want to use C<staticperl_init> but call them on your
984own. 1133own.
985 1134
986Then you need this function - either pass it directly as the C<xs_init> 1135Then you need this function - either pass it directly as the C<xs_init>
987function to C<perl_parse>, or call it from your own C<xs_init> function. 1136function to C<perl_parse>, or call it as one of the first things from your
988 1137own C<xs_init> function.
989=item staticperl_cleanup ()
990
991In the unlikely case that you want to destroy the perl interpreter, here
992is the corresponding function.
993 1138
994=item PerlInterpreter *staticperl 1139=item PerlInterpreter *staticperl
995 1140
996The perl interpreter pointer used by staticperl. Not normally so useful, 1141The perl interpreter pointer used by staticperl. Not normally so useful,
997but there it is. 1142but there it is.
1010 1155
1011=back 1156=back
1012 1157
1013=head1 RUNTIME FUNCTIONALITY 1158=head1 RUNTIME FUNCTIONALITY
1014 1159
1015Binaries created with C<mkbundle>/C<mkperl> contain extra functions, which 1160Binaries created with C<mkbundle>/C<mkperl> contain extra functionality,
1016are required to access the bundled perl sources, but might be useful for 1161mostly related to the extra files bundled in the binary (the virtual
1017other purposes. 1162filesystem). All of this data is statically compiled into the binary, and
1163accessing means copying it from a read-only section of your binary. Data
1164pages in this way is usually freed by the operating system, as it isn't
1165use more the onace.
1166
1167=head2 VIRTUAL FILESYSTEM
1168
1169Every bundle has a virtual filesystem. The only information stored in it
1170is the path and contents of each file that was bundled.
1171
1172=head3 LAYOUT
1173
1174Any path starting with an ampersand (F<&>) or exclamation mark (F<!>) are
1175reserved by F<staticperl>. They must only be used as described in this
1176section.
1177
1178=over 4
1179
1180=item !
1181
1182All files that typically cannot be loaded from memory (such as dynamic
1183objects or shared libraries), but have to reside in the filesystem, are
1184prefixed with F<!>. Typically these files get written out to some
1185(semi-)temporary directory shortly after program startup, or before being
1186used.
1187
1188=item !boot
1189
1190The bootstrap file, if specified during bundling.
1191
1192=item !auto/
1193
1194Shared objects or dlls corresponding to dynamically-linked perl extensions
1195are stored with an F<!auto/> prefix.
1196
1197=item !lib/
1198
1199External shared libraries are stored in this directory.
1200
1201=item any letter
1202
1203Any path starting with a letter is a perl library file. For example,
1204F<Coro/AIO.pm> corresponds to the file loaded by C<use Coro::AIO>, and
1205F<Coro/jit.pl> corresponds to C<require "Coro/jit.pl">.
1206
1207Obviously, module names shouldn't start with any other characters than
1208letters :)
1209
1210=back
1211
1212=head3 FUNCTIONS
1213
1214=over 4
1215
1216=item $file = static::find $path
1217
1218Returns the data associated with the given C<$path>
1219(e.g. C<Digest/MD5.pm>, C<auto/POSIX/autosplit.ix>).
1220
1221Returns C<undef> if the file isn't embedded.
1222
1223=item @paths = static::list
1224
1225Returns the list of all paths embedded in this binary.
1226
1227=back
1228
1229=head2 EXTRA FEATURES
1018 1230
1019In addition, for the embedded loading of perl files to work, F<staticperl> 1231In addition, for the embedded loading of perl files to work, F<staticperl>
1020overrides the C<@INC> array. 1232overrides the C<@INC> array.
1021
1022=over 4
1023
1024=item $file = staticperl::find $path
1025
1026Returns the data associated with the given C<$path>
1027(e.g. C<Digest/MD5.pm>, C<auto/POSIX/autosplit.ix>), which is basically
1028the UNIX path relative to the perl library directory.
1029
1030Returns C<undef> if the file isn't embedded.
1031
1032=item @paths = staticperl::list
1033
1034Returns the list of all paths embedded in this binary.
1035
1036=back
1037 1233
1038=head1 FULLY STATIC BINARIES - UCLIBC AND BUILDROOT 1234=head1 FULLY STATIC BINARIES - UCLIBC AND BUILDROOT
1039 1235
1040To make truly static (Linux-) libraries, you might want to have a look at 1236To make truly static (Linux-) libraries, you might want to have a look at
1041buildroot (L<http://buildroot.uclibc.org/>). 1237buildroot (L<http://buildroot.uclibc.org/>).
1050good experiences with GCC 4.4.x but not GCC 4.5. 1246good experiences with GCC 4.4.x but not GCC 4.5.
1051 1247
1052To minimise code size, I used C<-pipe -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections 1248To minimise code size, I used C<-pipe -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections
1053-finline-limit=8 -fno-builtin-strlen -mtune=i386>. The C<-mtune=i386> 1249-finline-limit=8 -fno-builtin-strlen -mtune=i386>. The C<-mtune=i386>
1054doesn't decrease codesize much, but it makes the file much more 1250doesn't decrease codesize much, but it makes the file much more
1055compressible. 1251compressible (and the execution a lot slower...).
1056 1252
1057If you don't need Coro or threads, you can go with "linuxthreads.old" (or 1253If you don't need Coro or threads, you can go with "linuxthreads.old" (or
1058no thread support). For Coro, it is highly recommended to switch to a 1254no thread support). For Coro, it is highly recommended to switch to a
1059uClibc newer than 0.9.31 (at the time of this writing, I used the 20101201 1255uClibc newer than 0.9.31 (at the time of this writing, I used the 20101201
1060snapshot) and enable NPTL, otherwise Coro needs to be configured with the 1256snapshot) and enable NPTL, otherwise Coro needs to be configured with the
1062twice the address space needed for stacks). 1258twice the address space needed for stacks).
1063 1259
1064If you use C<linuxthreads.old>, then you should also be aware that 1260If you use C<linuxthreads.old>, then you should also be aware that
1065uClibc shares C<errno> between all threads when statically linking. See 1261uClibc shares C<errno> between all threads when statically linking. See
1066L<http://lists.uclibc.org/pipermail/uclibc/2010-June/044157.html> for a 1262L<http://lists.uclibc.org/pipermail/uclibc/2010-June/044157.html> for a
1067workaround (And L<https://bugs.uclibc.org/2089> for discussion). 1263workaround (and L<https://bugs.uclibc.org/2089> for discussion).
1068 1264
1069C<ccache> support is also recommended, especially if you want 1265C<ccache> support is also recommended, especially if you want
1070to play around with buildroot options. Enabling the C<miniperl> 1266to play around with buildroot options. Enabling the C<miniperl>
1071package will probably enable all options required for a successful 1267package will probably enable all options required for a successful
1072perl build. F<staticperl> itself additionally needs either C<wget> 1268perl build. F<staticperl> itself additionally needs either C<wget>
1080it from working properly in a chroot - either use dash (and link it to 1276it from working properly in a chroot - either use dash (and link it to
1081F</bin/sh> inside the chroot) or link busybox to F</bin/sh>, using it's 1277F</bin/sh> inside the chroot) or link busybox to F</bin/sh>, using it's
1082built-in ash shell. 1278built-in ash shell.
1083 1279
1084Finally, you need F</dev/null> inside the chroot for many scripts to work 1280Finally, you need F</dev/null> inside the chroot for many scripts to work
1085- F<cp /dev/null output/target/dev> or bind-mounting your F</dev> will 1281- either F<cp /dev/null output/target/dev> or bind-mounting your F</dev>
1086both provide this. 1282will provide this.
1087 1283
1088After you have compiled and set up your buildroot target, you can copy 1284After you have compiled and set up your buildroot target, you can copy
1089F<staticperl> from the C<App::Staticperl> distribution or from your 1285F<staticperl> from the C<App::Staticperl> distribution or from your
1090perl f<bin> directory (if you installed it) into the F<output/target> 1286perl F<bin> directory (if you installed it) into the F<output/target>
1091filesystem, chroot inside and run it. 1287filesystem, chroot inside and run it.
1092 1288
1093=head1 RECIPES / SPECIFIC MODULES 1289=head1 RECIPES / SPECIFIC MODULES
1094 1290
1095This section contains some common(?) recipes and information about 1291This section contains some common(?) recipes and information about
1104 1300
1105Some functionality in the utf8 module, such as swash handling (used 1301Some functionality in the utf8 module, such as swash handling (used
1106for unicode character ranges in regexes) is implemented in the 1302for unicode character ranges in regexes) is implemented in the
1107C<"utf8_heavy.pl"> library: 1303C<"utf8_heavy.pl"> library:
1108 1304
1109 -M'"utf8_heavy.pl"' 1305 -Mutf8_heavy.pl
1110 1306
1111Many Unicode properties in turn are defined in separate modules, 1307Many Unicode properties in turn are defined in separate modules,
1112such as C<"unicore/Heavy.pl"> and more specific data tables such as 1308such as C<"unicore/Heavy.pl"> and more specific data tables such as
1113C<"unicore/To/Digit.pl"> or C<"unicore/lib/Perl/Word.pl">. These tables 1309C<"unicore/To/Digit.pl"> or C<"unicore/lib/Perl/Word.pl">. These tables
1114are big (7MB uncompressed, although F<staticperl> contains special 1310are big (7MB uncompressed, although F<staticperl> contains special
1115handling for those files), so including them on demand by your application 1311handling for those files), so including them on demand by your application
1116only might pay off. 1312only might pay off.
1117 1313
1118To simply include the whole unicode database, use: 1314To simply include the whole unicode database, use:
1119 1315
1120 --incglob '/unicore/*.pl' 1316 --incglob '/unicore/**.pl'
1121 1317
1122=item AnyEvent 1318=item AnyEvent
1123 1319
1124AnyEvent needs a backend implementation that it will load in a delayed 1320AnyEvent needs a backend implementation that it will load in a delayed
1125fashion. The L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> backend is the default choice 1321fashion. The L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> backend is the default choice
1133C<"AnyEvent/Util/uts46data.pl">. 1329C<"AnyEvent/Util/uts46data.pl">.
1134 1330
1135Or you can use C<--usepacklists> and specify C<-MAnyEvent> to include 1331Or you can use C<--usepacklists> and specify C<-MAnyEvent> to include
1136everything. 1332everything.
1137 1333
1334=item Cairo
1335
1336See Glib, same problem, same solution.
1337
1138=item Carp 1338=item Carp
1139 1339
1140Carp had (in older versions of perl) a dependency on L<Carp::Heavy>. As of 1340Carp had (in older versions of perl) a dependency on L<Carp::Heavy>. As of
1141perl 5.12.2 (maybe earlier), this dependency no longer exists. 1341perl 5.12.2 (maybe earlier), this dependency no longer exists.
1142 1342
1143=item Config 1343=item Config
1144 1344
1145The F<perl -V> switch (as well as many modules) needs L<Config>, which in 1345The F<perl -V> switch (as well as many modules) needs L<Config>, which in
1146turn might need L<"Config_heavy.pl">. Including the latter gives you 1346turn might need L<"Config_heavy.pl">. Including the latter gives you
1147both. 1347both.
1348
1349=item Glib
1350
1351Glib literally requires Glib to be installed already to build - it tries
1352to fake this by running Glib out of the build directory before being
1353built. F<staticperl> tries to work around this by forcing C<MAN1PODS> and
1354C<MAN3PODS> to be empty via the C<PERL_MM_OPT> environment variable.
1355
1356=item Gtk2
1357
1358See Pango, same problems, same solution.
1359
1360=item Net::SSLeay
1361
1362This module hasn't been significantly updated since OpenSSL is called
1363OpenSSL, and fails to properly link against dependent libraries, most
1364commonly, it forgets to specify -ldl when linking.
1365
1366On GNU/Linux systems this usually goes undetected, as perl usually links
1367against -ldl itself and OpenSSL just happens to pick it up that way, by
1368chance.
1369
1370For static builds, you either have to configure -ldl manually, or you
1371cna use the following snippet in your C<postinstall> hook which patches
1372Net::SSLeay after installation, which happens to work most of the time:
1373
1374 postinstall() {
1375 # first install it
1376 instcpan Net::SSLeay
1377 # then add -ldl for future linking
1378 chmod u+w "$PERL_PREFIX"/lib/auto/Net/SSLeay/extralibs.ld
1379 echo " -ldl" >>"$PERL_PREFIX"/lib/auto/Net/SSLeay/extralibs.ld
1380 }
1381
1382=item Pango
1383
1384In addition to the C<MAN3PODS> problem in Glib, Pango also routes around
1385L<ExtUtils::MakeMaker> by compiling its files on its own. F<staticperl>
1386tries to patch L<ExtUtils::MM_Unix> to route around Pango.
1148 1387
1149=item Term::ReadLine::Perl 1388=item Term::ReadLine::Perl
1150 1389
1151Also needs L<Term::ReadLine::readline>, or C<--usepacklists>. 1390Also needs L<Term::ReadLine::readline>, or C<--usepacklists>.
1152 1391
1203 do 1442 do
1204 PERL_CONFIGURE="$PERL_CONFIGURE -U$sym" 1443 PERL_CONFIGURE="$PERL_CONFIGURE -U$sym"
1205 done 1444 done
1206 } 1445 }
1207 1446
1208This mostly gains space when linking staticaly, as the functions will 1447This mostly gains space when linking statically, as the functions will
1209likely not be linked in. The gain for dynamically-linked binaries is 1448likely not be linked in. The gain for dynamically-linked binaries is
1210smaller. 1449smaller.
1211 1450
1212Also, this leaves C<gethostbyname> in - not only is it actually used 1451Also, this leaves C<gethostbyname> in - not only is it actually used
1213often, the L<Socket> module also exposes it, so leaving it out usually 1452often, the L<Socket> module also exposes it, so leaving it out usually

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