5.2.1 Server Options Set in the Database

Many optional behaviors of the server can be controlled from within the database by creating the property $server_options (i.e., #0.server_options), assigning as its value a valid object number, and then defining various properties on that object. At a number of times, the server checks for whether the property $server_options exists and has an object number as its value. If so, then the server looks for a variety of other properties on that $server_options object and, if they exist, uses their values to control how the server operates.

The specific properties searched for are each described in the appropriate section below, but here is a brief list of all of the relevant properties for ease of reference:

bg_seconds

The number of seconds allotted to background tasks.

bg_ticks

The number of ticks allotted to background tasks.

connect_timeout

The maximum number of seconds to allow an un-logged-in in-bound connection to remain open.

default_flush_command

The initial setting of each new connection's flush command.

fg_seconds

The number of seconds allotted to foreground tasks.

fg_ticks

The number of ticks allotted to foreground tasks.

max_stack_depth

The maximum number of levels of nested verb calls.

name_lookup_timeout

The maximum number of seconds to wait for a network hostname/address lookup.

outbound_connect_timeout

The maximum number of seconds to wait for an outbound network connection to successfully open.

protect_property

Restrict reading of built-in property to wizards.

protect_function

Restrict use of built-in function to wizards.

support_numeric_verbname_strings

Enables use of an obsolete verb-naming mechanism.