sub REAPER 
{           # takes care of dead children
   $SIG{CHLD} = \&REAPER;
   my $pid = wait;
   if ($pid > -1)
   {
      $children --;
      print "child $pid died, only $children left\n";
      delete $children{$pid};
   }
   else
   {
      $children = 0;
   }
}

##</code><code>##

# And maintain the population.
while (1)
{
   sleep;        # wait for a signal (i.e., child's death)
   print "got woken up by signal\n";
   for ($i = $children; $i < $PREFORK; $i++)
   {
      make_new_child();           # top up the child pool
   }
}