Hello Monks,
I am seeking knowledge for the following problem. I want to use a perl script to run external applications to perform analysis functions on files. The problem is that I don't have source for the applications, and I notice they can get hungup, without returning. What I would like to do is use SIG{ALRM} to set a timeout and if the application is not done by the the time the timeout comes about, then chop it's head off. I am launching the external application via `...`, but when I do that it seems my perl script loses the ability to perform the SIG{ALRM} until the application has completed. Is there a way to do what I want? Would a double threaded app be the answer, so I can monitor the external application via a 'ps' monitor?

Thank you in advance for your help.

In reply to SIG{ALRM} to help kill external program by locked0wn

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