Bash-httpd FAQ

What is it?

Bash-httpd is a web server written in bash, the GNU bourne shell replacement.

Why did you write it?

Because I could. :) It doesn't have any features that aren't in a million other web servers, and is ridiculously slow. But isn't the idea cool? :)

What's the current version?

bash-httpd is at version 0.02 at this writing. I don't have any plans for it, but who knows?

Why should I run it instead of Apache or [insert favorite server software here].

You shouldn't. Let me repeat that -- you should *not* use this code in any sort of production environment. If you want a web server, use something else, ie. Apache. See the next question.

Why *shouldn't* I run it?

Because it's not secure, relatively slow, probably doesn't comply with any of the http specs, and is feature-poor.

I want to run it anyway. How do I get it and install it?

First, download bash-httpd-0.02. Then edit the config variables at the beginning. Then put a line for it in /etc/inetd.conf, running as nobody. You probably also want to wrap the port.

If you're not root, get ahold of Netcat, compile it with -DGAPING_SECURITY_HOLE (because it *is* a gaping security hole), and run:

(while true; do nc -l -p 8080 -e bash-httpd; done)&

or the like. If you don't understand any part of these instructions, you probably shouldn't be running it. If any harm comes to you or your computer because you ran this software, don't blame me: I don't recommend that *anyone* run it.

You're welcome. :)