Global Variables in RULE_INIT

Just to chime in here for a minute. Variables can be shared across a connection without being in the global scope (ie, using "::"). RULE_INIT is a special rule that is only run at initialization time and not for each connection. So, any local variables created there will not be available across other events. Any variables you want set in RULE_INIT make sure that you use the global scope.

 

 

Just keep in mind that if you are modifying global variables in different connections, they will be modified for all connections. One common mistake it to put SSL certificate info in a global variable and then trying to access it in another event. Each new connection will overwrite that global variable and will likely yield unwanted results.

 

 

Also, global variables do use up memory and are not ever freed unless you explicitly "unset" them. Connection variables are freed when the connection closes so there is a built-in garbage collection.

 

 

-Joe