full blown dns cache for rsyslog

Up until and including version 5 rsyslog does actually not implement a real DNS cache. Instead, it uses some sort-of caching methods. They seem to work surprisingly well, as almost no real pain was reported by users in regard to this system. The big exception is UDP traffic, if combined with template options that require host resolution and a larger number of different hosts sending messages.

Starting with 6.3.1, I have now implemented a real, full-blown cache system which will resolve the issues with that use case. The initial implementation is not perfect, but I thought it would be best to gain some feedback from the community first before deciding on the final implementation. Most importantly, it currently does not expire entries (this was considered not necessary in many previous discussions we had on the mailing list). Also the current linear list data structure and locking method used is not optimal. However, it is very simple and easy to maintain. So if there is no need for more advanced (aka “complex”) code, it probably is not bad to stay simple.

I hope to get some feedback from the community, and most importantly feedback from folks who actually use the new capability to their benefit. In those cases where it matters, the speedup can be “immense”.