Is it possible to create child processes in node.js which do not exit when their parents do?

Yes, it's possible.

npm install daemon

test1.js:

var
    spawn = require('child_process').spawn,
    test2 = spawn('node', ['test2.js']);

    console.log(test2.pid);

test2.js:

var daemon = require('daemon');
daemon.start();

setInterval(function() {
    // do something
}, 1000);

test1.js will spawn test2.js and exit. test2.js will continue to work in the background.

Yes, use child_process.spawn and pass the detached option, then call child.unref().

Make sure you read the notes: http://nodejs.org/api/child_process.html#child_process_child_process_spawn_command_args_options

Search for a npm package that fit you needs. There are plenty of them available (at least if you are on a *nix system).

• npm search
• Nipster (npm + github)