[CentOS] Watchdog process?

[Greg Bailey]

Amos Shapira wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Is there a generic built-in way on CentOS to overlook that a specific
> process is alive and re-spawn it (or just run a configured command)
> when it dies?
>
> I know how to script things so a parent will watch its child, but was
> wondering whether there is something more readily available instead of
> having to reinvent the wheel.
>
> The process must be controlled via a /etc/init.d/... script and should
> be stop-able (it runs in a primary/stand-by configuration), so use of
> "respawn" in inittab is not a solution.
>
> So far googl'ing for "watchdog" comes up with references about system
> watchdog - which will reboot the system if the kernel appears to be
> stuck.
>
> Thanks,
>
> --Amos
>   

You might take a glance at daemontools:

http://cr.yp.to/daemontools/faq.html

The directory layout is a bit nonstandard, but it does what you're 
looking for.  I believe SME Server (which is built on top of CentOS) 
makes use of this tool set...

-Greg