rc functions don't allow processes to shutdown

[Sean Bruno]

Doug Barton wrote:
> On Fri, 31 Aug 2007, Sean Bruno wrote:
>
>> I noticed that if rc.conf has ntpd_enable="NO", an invocation of 
>> /etc/rc.d/ntpd stop won't actually shut down ntpd.  I checked a 
>> couple of other processes(like net-snmp) and noted the same behavior.
>
> FYI, there is a list for discussing rc.d issues, freebsd-rc at . The 
> current behavior is by design, and I don't think that changing it is a 
> good idea this late in the game.
>
Ah, as usual, I picked the wrong list.  I'll take design issues there.
> Assuming that lack of an affirmative _enable variable is a constant, 
> the only way that a service can be started is with either onestart or 
> forcestart. The symmetry here would be to stop it the same way.
>
This may be symmetrical, but I question whether or not the 'correct' 
behavior is symmetrical.

I don't see the benefit to the end user in this implementation, e.g. 
trying to disable a running service.  If a new-ish admin edits the 
rc.conf prior to shutting down the service, there could be some 
consternation. 

However, my entire idea of how to shut down a process in FreeBSD may be 
flawed, and I may be the one who is in need of a 'design change'.  :)

Sean