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doc: change `child` to `subprocess`

Backport-PR-URL: https://github.com/nodejs/node/pull/14635
PR-URL: https://github.com/nodejs/node/pull/14578
Reviewed-By: Colin Ihrig <cjihrig@gmail.com>
Reviewed-By: Luigi Pinca <luigipinca@gmail.com>
Reviewed-By: Refael Ackermann <refack@gmail.com>
v4.x-staging
Rich Trott 8 years ago
committed by Myles Borins
parent
commit
fd27dc72a4
No known key found for this signature in database GPG Key ID: 933B01F40B5CA946
  1. 141
      doc/api/child_process.md

141
doc/api/child_process.md

@ -400,10 +400,10 @@ Example of checking for failed exec:
```js ```js
const spawn = require('child_process').spawn; const spawn = require('child_process').spawn;
const child = spawn('bad_command'); const subprocess = spawn('bad_command');
child.on('error', (err) => { subprocess.on('error', (err) => {
console.log('Failed to start child process.'); console.log('Failed to start subprocess.');
}); });
``` ```
@ -423,10 +423,10 @@ child processes may continue running after the parent exits regardless of
whether they are detached or not. See `setsid(2)` for more information. whether they are detached or not. See `setsid(2)` for more information.
By default, the parent will wait for the detached child to exit. To prevent By default, the parent will wait for the detached child to exit. To prevent
the parent from waiting for a given `child`, use the `child.unref()` method. the parent from waiting for a given `subprocess`, use the `subprocess.unref()`
Doing so will cause the parent's event loop to not include the child in its method. Doing so will cause the parent's event loop to not include the child in
reference count, allowing the parent to exit independently of the child, unless its reference count, allowing the parent to exit independently of the child,
there is an established IPC channel between the child and parent. unless there is an established IPC channel between the child and parent.
When using the `detached` option to start a long-running process, the process When using the `detached` option to start a long-running process, the process
will not stay running in the background after the parent exits unless it is will not stay running in the background after the parent exits unless it is
@ -440,12 +440,12 @@ Example of a long-running process, by detaching and also ignoring its parent
```js ```js
const spawn = require('child_process').spawn; const spawn = require('child_process').spawn;
const child = spawn(process.argv[0], ['child_program.js'], { const subprocess = spawn(process.argv[0], ['child_program.js'], {
detached: true, detached: true,
stdio: 'ignore' stdio: 'ignore'
}); });
child.unref(); subprocess.unref();
``` ```
Alternatively one can redirect the child process' output into files: Alternatively one can redirect the child process' output into files:
@ -456,12 +456,12 @@ const spawn = require('child_process').spawn;
const out = fs.openSync('./out.log', 'a'); const out = fs.openSync('./out.log', 'a');
const err = fs.openSync('./out.log', 'a'); const err = fs.openSync('./out.log', 'a');
const child = spawn('prg', [], { const subprocess = spawn('prg', [], {
detached: true, detached: true,
stdio: [ 'ignore', out, err ] stdio: [ 'ignore', out, err ]
}); });
child.unref(); subprocess.unref();
``` ```
#### options.stdio #### options.stdio
@ -471,9 +471,10 @@ added: v0.7.10
The `options.stdio` option is used to configure the pipes that are established The `options.stdio` option is used to configure the pipes that are established
between the parent and child process. By default, the child's stdin, stdout, between the parent and child process. By default, the child's stdin, stdout,
and stderr are redirected to corresponding `child.stdin`, `child.stdout`, and and stderr are redirected to corresponding `subprocess.stdin`,
`child.stderr` streams on the `ChildProcess` object. This is equivalent to `subprocess.stdout`, and `subprocess.stderr` streams on the `ChildProcess`
setting the `options.stdio` equal to `['pipe', 'pipe', 'pipe']`. object. This is equivalent to setting the `options.stdio` equal to `['pipe',
'pipe', 'pipe']`.
For convenience, `options.stdio` may be one of the following strings: For convenience, `options.stdio` may be one of the following strings:
@ -763,46 +764,49 @@ added: v0.5.9
The `'message'` event is triggered when a child process uses `process.send()` The `'message'` event is triggered when a child process uses `process.send()`
to send messages. to send messages.
### child.connected <a name="child_process_child_connected"></a>
### subprocess.connected
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.7.2 added: v0.7.2
--> -->
* {Boolean} Set to false after `.disconnect` is called * {Boolean} Set to false after `.disconnect` is called
The `child.connected` property indicates whether it is still possible to send The `subprocess.connected` property indicates whether it is still possible to
and receive messages from a child process. When `child.connected` is false, it send and receive messages from a child process. When `subprocess.connected` is
is no longer possible to send or receive messages. false, it is no longer possible to send or receive messages.
### child.disconnect() <a name="child_process_child_disconnect"></a>
### subprocess.disconnect()
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.7.2 added: v0.7.2
--> -->
Closes the IPC channel between parent and child, allowing the child to exit Closes the IPC channel between parent and child, allowing the child to exit
gracefully once there are no other connections keeping it alive. After calling gracefully once there are no other connections keeping it alive. After calling
this method the `child.connected` and `process.connected` properties in both this method the `subprocess.connected` and `process.connected` properties in
the parent and child (respectively) will be set to `false`, and it will be no both the parent and child (respectively) will be set to `false`, and it will be
longer possible to pass messages between the processes. no longer possible to pass messages between the processes.
The `'disconnect'` event will be emitted when there are no messages in the The `'disconnect'` event will be emitted when there are no messages in the
process of being received. This will most often be triggered immediately after process of being received. This will most often be triggered immediately after
calling `child.disconnect()`. calling `subprocess.disconnect()`.
Note that when the child process is a Node.js instance (e.g. spawned using Note that when the child process is a Node.js instance (e.g. spawned using
[`child_process.fork()`]), the `process.disconnect()` method can be invoked [`child_process.fork()`]), the `process.disconnect()` method can be invoked
within the child process to close the IPC channel as well. within the child process to close the IPC channel as well.
### child.kill([signal]) <a name="child_process_child_kill_signal"></a>
### subprocess.kill([signal])
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.1.90 added: v0.1.90
--> -->
* `signal` {String} * `signal` {String}
The `child.kill()` methods sends a signal to the child process. If no argument The `subprocess.kill()` methods sends a signal to the child process. If no
is given, the process will be sent the `'SIGTERM'` signal. See signal(7) for argument is given, the process will be sent the `'SIGTERM'` signal. See
a list of available signals. signal(7) for a list of available signals.
```js ```js
const spawn = require('child_process').spawn; const spawn = require('child_process').spawn;
@ -837,7 +841,7 @@ as in this example:
'use strict'; 'use strict';
const spawn = require('child_process').spawn; const spawn = require('child_process').spawn;
let child = spawn('sh', ['-c', let subprocess = spawn('sh', ['-c',
`node -e "setInterval(() => { `node -e "setInterval(() => {
console.log(process.pid, 'is alive') console.log(process.pid, 'is alive')
}, 500);"` }, 500);"`
@ -846,11 +850,12 @@ let child = spawn('sh', ['-c',
}); });
setTimeout(() => { setTimeout(() => {
child.kill(); // does not terminate the node process in the shell subprocess.kill(); // does not terminate the node process in the shell
}, 2000); }, 2000);
``` ```
### child.pid <a name="child_process_child_pid"></a>
### subprocess.pid
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.1.90 added: v0.1.90
--> -->
@ -869,7 +874,8 @@ console.log(`Spawned child pid: ${grep.pid}`);
grep.stdin.end(); grep.stdin.end();
``` ```
### child.send(message[, sendHandle][, callback]) <a name="child_process_child_send_message_sendhandle_options_callback"></a>
### subprocess.send(message[, sendHandle[, options]][, callback])
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.5.9 added: v0.5.9
--> -->
@ -880,9 +886,10 @@ added: v0.5.9
* Returns: {Boolean} * Returns: {Boolean}
When an IPC channel has been established between the parent and child ( When an IPC channel has been established between the parent and child (
i.e. when using [`child_process.fork()`][]), the `child.send()` method can be i.e. when using [`child_process.fork()`][]), the `subprocess.send()` method can
used to send messages to the child process. When the child process is a Node.js be used to send messages to the child process. When the child process is a
instance, these messages can be received via the `process.on('message')` event. Node.js instance, these messages can be received via the `process.on('message')`
event.
For example, in the parent script: For example, in the parent script:
@ -918,8 +925,8 @@ for use within Node.js core and will not be emitted in the child's
Applications should avoid using such messages or listening for Applications should avoid using such messages or listening for
`'internalMessage'` events as it is subject to change without notice. `'internalMessage'` events as it is subject to change without notice.
The optional `sendHandle` argument that may be passed to `child.send()` is for The optional `sendHandle` argument that may be passed to `subprocess.send()` is
passing a TCP server or socket object to the child process. The child will for passing a TCP server or socket object to the child process. The child will
receive the object as the second argument passed to the callback function receive the object as the second argument passed to the callback function
registered on the `process.on('message')` event. Any data that is received and registered on the `process.on('message')` event. Any data that is received and
buffered in the socket will not be sent to the child. buffered in the socket will not be sent to the child.
@ -932,7 +939,7 @@ If no `callback` function is provided and the message cannot be sent, an
`'error'` event will be emitted by the `ChildProcess` object. This can happen, `'error'` event will be emitted by the `ChildProcess` object. This can happen,
for instance, when the child process has already exited. for instance, when the child process has already exited.
`child.send()` will return `false` if the channel has closed or when the `subprocess.send()` will return `false` if the channel has closed or when the
backlog of unsent messages exceeds a threshold that makes it unwise to send backlog of unsent messages exceeds a threshold that makes it unwise to send
more. Otherwise, the method returns `true`. The `callback` function can be more. Otherwise, the method returns `true`. The `callback` function can be
used to implement flow control. used to implement flow control.
@ -943,7 +950,7 @@ The `sendHandle` argument can be used, for instance, to pass the handle of
a TCP server object to the child process as illustrated in the example below: a TCP server object to the child process as illustrated in the example below:
```js ```js
const child = require('child_process').fork('child.js'); const subprocess = require('child_process').fork('subprocess.js');
// Open up the server object and send the handle. // Open up the server object and send the handle.
const server = require('net').createServer(); const server = require('net').createServer();
@ -951,7 +958,7 @@ server.on('connection', (socket) => {
socket.end('handled by parent'); socket.end('handled by parent');
}); });
server.listen(1337, () => { server.listen(1337, () => {
child.send('server', server); subprocess.send('server', server);
}); });
``` ```
@ -982,8 +989,8 @@ socket to the child process. The example below spawns two children that each
handle connections with "normal" or "special" priority: handle connections with "normal" or "special" priority:
```js ```js
const normal = require('child_process').fork('child.js', ['normal']); const normal = require('child_process').fork('subprocess.js', ['normal']);
const special = require('child_process').fork('child.js', ['special']); const special = require('child_process').fork('subprocess.js', ['special']);
// Open up the server and send sockets to child // Open up the server and send sockets to child
const server = require('net').createServer(); const server = require('net').createServer();
@ -1000,8 +1007,8 @@ server.on('connection', (socket) => {
server.listen(1337); server.listen(1337);
``` ```
The `child.js` would receive the socket handle as the second argument passed The `subprocess.js` would receive the socket handle as the second argument
to the event callback function: passed to the event callback function:
```js ```js
process.on('message', (m, socket) => { process.on('message', (m, socket) => {
@ -1018,7 +1025,8 @@ this occurs.
*Note: this function uses [`JSON.stringify()`][] internally to serialize the `message`.* *Note: this function uses [`JSON.stringify()`][] internally to serialize the `message`.*
### child.stderr <a name="child_process_child_stderr"></a>
### subprocess.stderr
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.1.90 added: v0.1.90
--> -->
@ -1030,10 +1038,11 @@ A `Readable Stream` that represents the child process's `stderr`.
If the child was spawned with `stdio[2]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`, If the child was spawned with `stdio[2]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`,
then this will be `undefined`. then this will be `undefined`.
`child.stderr` is an alias for `child.stdio[2]`. Both properties will refer to `subprocess.stderr` is an alias for `subprocess.stdio[2]`. Both properties will
the same value. refer to the same value.
### child.stdin <a name="child_process_child_stdin"></a>
### subprocess.stdin
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.1.90 added: v0.1.90
--> -->
@ -1048,10 +1057,11 @@ continue until this stream has been closed via `end()`.*
If the child was spawned with `stdio[0]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`, If the child was spawned with `stdio[0]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`,
then this will be `undefined`. then this will be `undefined`.
`child.stdin` is an alias for `child.stdio[0]`. Both properties will refer to `subprocess.stdin` is an alias for `subprocess.stdio[0]`. Both properties will
the same value. refer to the same value.
### child.stdio <a name="child_process_child_stdio"></a>
### subprocess.stdio
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.7.10 added: v0.7.10
--> -->
@ -1060,20 +1070,20 @@ added: v0.7.10
A sparse array of pipes to the child process, corresponding with positions in A sparse array of pipes to the child process, corresponding with positions in
the [`stdio`][] option passed to [`child_process.spawn()`][] that have been set the [`stdio`][] option passed to [`child_process.spawn()`][] that have been set
to the value `'pipe'`. Note that `child.stdio[0]`, `child.stdio[1]`, and to the value `'pipe'`. Note that `subprocess.stdio[0]`, `subprocess.stdio[1]`,
`child.stdio[2]` are also available as `child.stdin`, `child.stdout`, and and `subprocess.stdio[2]` are also available as `subprocess.stdin`,
`child.stderr`, respectively. `subprocess.stdout`, and `subprocess.stderr`, respectively.
In the following example, only the child's fd `1` (stdout) is configured as a In the following example, only the child's fd `1` (stdout) is configured as a
pipe, so only the parent's `child.stdio[1]` is a stream, all other values in pipe, so only the parent's `subprocess.stdio[1]` is a stream, all other values
the array are `null`. in the array are `null`.
```js ```js
const assert = require('assert'); const assert = require('assert');
const fs = require('fs'); const fs = require('fs');
const child_process = require('child_process'); const child_process = require('child_process');
const child = child_process.spawn('ls', { const subprocess = child_process.spawn('ls', {
stdio: [ stdio: [
0, // Use parents stdin for child 0, // Use parents stdin for child
'pipe', // Pipe child's stdout to parent 'pipe', // Pipe child's stdout to parent
@ -1081,17 +1091,18 @@ const child = child_process.spawn('ls', {
] ]
}); });
assert.equal(child.stdio[0], null); assert.equal(subprocess.stdio[0], null);
assert.equal(child.stdio[0], child.stdin); assert.equal(subprocess.stdio[0], subprocess.stdin);
assert(child.stdout); assert(subprocess.stdout);
assert.equal(child.stdio[1], child.stdout); assert.equal(subprocess.stdio[1], subprocess.stdout);
assert.equal(child.stdio[2], null); assert.equal(subprocess.stdio[2], null);
assert.equal(child.stdio[2], child.stderr); assert.equal(subprocess.stdio[2], subprocess.stderr);
``` ```
### child.stdout <a name="child_process_child_stdout"></a>
### subprocess.stdout
<!-- YAML <!-- YAML
added: v0.1.90 added: v0.1.90
--> -->
@ -1103,8 +1114,8 @@ A `Readable Stream` that represents the child process's `stdout`.
If the child was spawned with `stdio[1]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`, If the child was spawned with `stdio[1]` set to anything other than `'pipe'`,
then this will be `undefined`. then this will be `undefined`.
`child.stdout` is an alias for `child.stdio[1]`. Both properties will refer `subprocess.stdout` is an alias for `subprocess.stdio[1]`. Both properties will
to the same value. refer to the same value.
[`popen(3)`]: http://linux.die.net/man/3/popen [`popen(3)`]: http://linux.die.net/man/3/popen
[`ChildProcess`]: #child_process_child_process [`ChildProcess`]: #child_process_child_process

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