[Mongrel] mongrel_cluster, start on boot, stale pids

[Jonathan Rochkind]

So I am using the instructions here to have mongrel_cluster start my 
various mongrel-deployed apps on server boot.
http://mongrel.rubyforge.org/wiki/MongrelCluster

There is a problem mentioned here:
http://www.ruby-forum.com/topic/105849

In summary---if the server (or the mongrel processes) die ungracefully 
leaving their pids behind, then on next boot, mongrel_cluster won't 
succesfully start them up, choking on the leftover pids.

What is the reccommended solution to this?  I'd like to have my mongrels 
automatically start on boot, in a way that forces them to start even if 
there are stale pids. Thanks for any advice!

[ PS: I just discovered this problem the hard way, when my server 
unexpetedly lost power, and my production apps failed to start up on the 
next boot!  Very unpleasant. ]

Jonathan


-- 
Jonathan Rochkind
Digital Services Software Engineer
The Sheridan Libraries
Johns Hopkins University
410.516.8886 
rochkind (at) jhu.edu