---
name: exec
status: documented
runtime: pp
source: src/runtime/pp/process.rs
---
```{index} single: exec; Perl built-in (pp runtime)
```

# exec

## Synopsis

```perl
exec("ls -la");              # shell form
exec("ls", "-la");           # list form (no shell)
exec { "ls" } "ls", "-l";   # indirect object form
```

## Description

Replaces the current process image with a new program via `execvp(3)`.

On success, `exec` does **not return** because the current process
image is replaced entirely.  If `exec` does return, it means the
call failed, and the return value is false.

In the single-argument form, shell metacharacters trigger execution
via `/bin/sh -c`.  If no metacharacters are detected, the command
is executed directly.  In the multi-argument form, the first
argument is the program and subsequent arguments are passed
directly (no shell involvement).

The child inherits Perl's `%ENV` (the OS environment is replaced
before exec).

## See also

system, fork, perlfunc/exec