Shellmod and Linuxconf will start the script whenever it is needed. Used as a Linuxconf module, the script is not started at Linuxconf startup but only when one of its menu or co-manager entries are selected.
The script is start and proceed to its dispatch function, where it waits for request. Some request triggers the execution of one of the script's function. When the function done, the original dispatch function resume and continue to wait. Note that dispatch may be used recursively.
Once started, the script sits there waiting for request until Linuxconf end. As such it can be seen as a small server sharing information collected while performing various request.
When used as a stand-alone utility, the script will end as soon as its main function exits.