System information

Embedded Scripts
Axis Communications AB provides NO support for application development of any kind. The information
here is provided "as is", and there is no guarantee that any of the examples shown will work in your
particular application.
Revision 1.02 October 2002 7
 PDF functions
 Math functions
Axis recommends checking that PHP3-Lite supports the functions required before creating
custom scripts. Consult the PHP3-Lite manual on our Web site at: www.axis.com
2.2 Shell
A shell is a command processor or interpreter that reads and executes the commands entered by
the user. A shell is also a programming language in which programs can be written for the shell
to interpret. These programs are therefore known as shell scripts. Shell scripts allow users to
customize their environments by adding their own commands. When a user logs in, a default
shell will be called up. This default shell is the login shell.
Given the combination of flexibility and relatively small memory requirements, shell scripts are
very well suited to performing less complex tasks in embedded devices such as the Axis
camera/video products.
In the latest release, Axis products use a modified Linux operating system called ELinux, which
opens up more possibilities for the server. This is why the shell mish (the minix shell, with most
of the features of the Bourne shell) was chosen as the script interpreter for Axis products.