Start mod_perl handler from another perl module

Question

How can I start a mod_perl handler (called MyCacheHandler.pm) directly from another perl module (called MyModule.pm). Because currently I'm starting the handler via a web browser, but it would be a little bit easier to call it with MyModule.

Answer 1

As I understand it, you want to have it (MyCacheHandler) running in the background, and it won't produce any visible (to a browser) output? (Just side effects).

If that's correct, why is it even implemented as a mod_perl handler. Just implement it as a script and run it from cron, or as a daemon of some kind.

You could still control MyCacheHandler from MyModule (say via IPC).

Answer 2

Do some refactoring. Split MyCacheHandler.pm into two modules: one which is doing the hard work and does not depend on mod_perl anymore (that is, no more handling with $r), so it's callable from other modules. The other would be a now thin mod_perl handler calling the first module.

Or leave it as is, and just use LWP::UserAgent to access MyCacheHandler from MyModule.