Using variables within virtualhost containers?

Can't figure out how to set a domain name as a variable and use it

[davistv]

I would like to reduce the opportunity for errors in my httpd.conf file, typos on domain names are the prime culprit. So I'd like to set a variable at the top of each VirtualHost container for the primary domain, then use that variable throughout the rest of the VirtualHost to configure the site.

So far, I haven't figured out how to do this. Here's what I've got so far, is this possible?

Thank You,
Troy

<VirtualHost *:80> 
  SetEnv PRIMARY_DOMAIN test.com 
  DocumentRoot /w3/${PRIMARY_DOMAIN}/ 
  ServerName ${PRIMARY_DOMAIN} 
  DirectoryIndex index.html 
  CustomLog logs/${PRIMARY_DOMAIN}_access_log combined 
  ErrorLog logs/${PRIMARY_DOMAIN}_error_log 
  ScriptAlias /cgi-bin/ /w3/${PRIMARY_DOMAIN}/cgi-bin/ 
  <Directory /w3/${PRIMARY_DOMAIN}/cgi-bin> 
    ... 
  </Directory> 
</VirtualHost>

[jdMorgan]

davistv,

Welcome to WebmasterWorld!

Most Apache configuration directives have no provisions for dereferencing variables.

Large hosts typically use a shell script to generate the configuration (httpd.conf) file, or 'extended' VPS configuration files such as conf.d, for new domains as they are added. Perhaps this approach would be workable for your needs.

Each Apache directive description starts with a list of the directive's syntax, execution context, core status, and module name. The syntax description should be your guide as to whether the directive can accept variables.

Jim

[extras]

VirtualDocumentRoot (mod_vhostalias) can do what you want (other than logging part).

For the logging, I guess you can use split-logfile,
[httpd.apache.org...]

Or use pipe for CustomLog.
[httpd.apache.org...]

If you search, you may find more solutions, like this.
[logtomysql.sourceforge.net...]
[serverwatch.com...]