python-passfd 0.2

Python functions to pass file descriptors across UNIX domain sockets

This simple extension provides two functions to pass and receive file descriptors across UNIX domain sockets, using the BSD-4.3+ sendmsg() and recvmsg() interfaces.

Direct bindings to sendmsg and recvmsg are not provided, as the API does not map nicely into Python.

Please note that this only supports BSD-4.3+ style file descriptor passing, and was only tested on Linux. Patches are welcomed!

For more information, see one of the R. Stevens’ books:

• Richard Stevens: Unix Network Programming, Prentice Hall, 1990; chapter 6.10

• Richard Stevens: Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment, Addison-Wesley, 1993; chapter 15.3