docs: document daemon process management commands

Update README.md and CLAUDE.md to document new process management:
- Add "Process Management" section with daemon commands
- Update all examples to use `./kvs start/stop/status` instead of `&` and `pkill`
- Document global PID/log directories (~/.kvs/)
- Update cluster setup examples
- Update development workflow
- Add daemon package to project structure

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

.gitignore

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 .claude/
+.kvs/
 data/
 data*/
+integration_test/
 *.yaml
 !config.yaml
 kvs

CLAUDE.md

@@ -10,10 +10,16 @@ This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with co
 go build -o kvs .
 
 # Run with default config (auto-generates config.yaml)
-./kvs
+./kvs start config.yaml
 
 # Run with custom config
-./kvs /path/to/config.yaml
+./kvs start /path/to/config.yaml
+
+# Check running instances
+./kvs status
+
+# Stop instance
+./kvs stop config
 
 # Run comprehensive integration tests
 ./integration_test.sh
@@ -25,6 +31,32 @@ go run test_conflict.go data1 data2
 go build -o kvs . && ./integration_test.sh
 ```
 
+### Process Management Commands
+```bash
+# Start as background daemon
+./kvs start <config.yaml>       # .yaml extension optional
+
+# Stop daemon
+./kvs stop <config>             # Graceful SIGTERM shutdown
+
+# Restart daemon
+./kvs restart <config>          # Stop then start
+
+# Show status
+./kvs status                    # All instances
+./kvs status <config>           # Specific instance
+
+# Run in foreground (for debugging)
+./kvs <config.yaml>             # Logs to stdout, blocks terminal
+
+# View daemon logs
+tail -f ~/.kvs/logs/kvs_<config>.yaml.log
+
+# Global state directories
+~/.kvs/pids/                    # PID files (works from any directory)
+~/.kvs/logs/                    # Daemon log files
+```
+
 ### Development Workflow
 ```bash
 # Format and check code
@@ -38,11 +70,25 @@ go mod tidy
 go build .
 
 # Test specific cluster scenarios
-./kvs node1.yaml &  # Terminal 1
+./kvs start node1.yaml
-./kvs node2.yaml &  # Terminal 2
+./kvs start node2.yaml
+
+# Wait for cluster formation
+sleep 5
+
+# Test data operations
 curl -X PUT http://localhost:8081/kv/test/data -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"test":"data"}'
 curl http://localhost:8082/kv/test/data  # Should replicate within ~30 seconds
-pkill kvs
+
+# Check daemon status
+./kvs status
+
+# View logs
+tail -f ~/.kvs/logs/kvs_node1.yaml.log
+
+# Cleanup
+./kvs stop node1
+./kvs stop node2
 ```
 
 ## Architecture Overview
@@ -58,7 +104,8 @@ KVS is a **distributed, eventually consistent key-value store** built around thr
 
 #### Modular Package Design
 - **`auth/`** - Complete JWT authentication system with POSIX-inspired permissions
-- **`cluster/`** - Distributed systems logic (gossip, sync, merkle trees)  
+- **`cluster/`** - Distributed systems logic (gossip, sync, merkle trees)
+- **`daemon/`** - Process management (daemonization, PID files, lifecycle)
 - **`storage/`** - BadgerDB abstraction with compression and revision history
 - **`server/`** - HTTP handlers, routing, and lifecycle management
 - **`features/`** - Utility functions for TTL, rate limiting, tamper logging, backup
@@ -147,9 +194,18 @@ Creates two BadgerDB instances with intentionally conflicting data (same path, s
 - **Bootstrap sync**: Up to 30 days of historical data for new nodes
 
 #### Main Entry Point Flow
-1. `main.go` loads config (auto-generates default if missing)
+1. `main.go` parses command-line arguments for subcommands (`start`, `stop`, `status`, `restart`)
-2. `server.NewServer()` initializes all subsystems
+2. For daemon mode: `daemon.Daemonize()` spawns background process and manages PID files
-3. Graceful shutdown handling with `SIGINT`/`SIGTERM`
+3. For server mode: loads config (auto-generates default if missing)
-4. All business logic delegated to modular packages
+4. `server.NewServer()` initializes all subsystems
+5. Graceful shutdown handling with `SIGINT`/`SIGTERM`
+6. All business logic delegated to modular packages
+
+#### Daemon Architecture
+- **PID Management**: Global PID files stored in `~/.kvs/pids/` for cross-directory access
+- **Logging**: Daemon logs written to `~/.kvs/logs/{config-name}.log`
+- **Process Lifecycle**: Spawns detached process via `exec.Command()` with `Setsid: true`
+- **Config Normalization**: Supports both `node1` and `node1.yaml` formats
+- **Stale PID Detection**: Checks process existence via `Signal(0)` before operations
 
 This architecture enables easy feature addition, comprehensive testing, and reliable operation in distributed environments while maintaining simplicity for single-node deployments.

README.md

@@ -69,11 +69,67 @@ go build -o kvs .
 
 ### Quick Test
 ```bash
-# Start standalone node
+# Start standalone node (uses config.yaml if it exists, or creates it)
-./kvs
+./kvs start config.yaml
 
 # Test the API
 curl http://localhost:8080/health
+
+# Check status
+./kvs status
+
+# Stop when done
+./kvs stop config
+```
+
+## 🎮 Process Management
+
+KVS includes systemd-style daemon commands for easy process management:
+
+```bash
+# Start as background daemon
+./kvs start config.yaml      # or just: ./kvs start config
+./kvs start node1.yaml       # Start with custom config
+
+# Check status
+./kvs status                 # Show all running instances
+./kvs status node1           # Show specific instance
+
+# Stop daemon
+./kvs stop node1             # Graceful shutdown
+
+# Restart daemon
+./kvs restart node1          # Stop and start
+
+# Run in foreground (traditional)
+./kvs node1.yaml             # Logs to stdout
+```
+
+### Daemon Features
+- **Global PID tracking**: PID files stored in `~/.kvs/pids/` (works from any directory)
+- **Automatic logging**: Logs written to `~/.kvs/logs/{config-name}.log`
+- **Flexible naming**: Config extension optional (`node1` or `node1.yaml` both work)
+- **Graceful shutdown**: SIGTERM sent for clean shutdown
+- **Stale PID cleanup**: Automatically detects and cleans dead processes
+- **Multi-instance**: Run multiple KVS instances on same machine
+
+### Example Workflow
+```bash
+# Start 3-node cluster as daemons
+./kvs start node1.yaml
+./kvs start node2.yaml
+./kvs start node3.yaml
+
+# Check cluster status
+./kvs status
+
+# View logs
+tail -f ~/.kvs/logs/kvs_node1.yaml.log
+
+# Stop entire cluster
+./kvs stop node1
+./kvs stop node2
+./kvs stop node3
 ```
 
 ## ⚙️ Configuration
@@ -308,17 +364,23 @@ clustering_enabled: true
 
 #### Start the Cluster
 ```bash
-# Terminal 1
+# Start as daemons
-./kvs node1.yaml
+./kvs start node1.yaml
-
+sleep 2
-# Terminal 2 (wait a few seconds)
+./kvs start node2.yaml
-./kvs node2.yaml
+sleep 2
-
+./kvs start node3.yaml
-# Terminal 3 (wait a few seconds)
-./kvs node3.yaml
 
 # Verify cluster formation
 curl http://localhost:8081/members/  # Should show all 3 nodes
+
+# Check daemon status
+./kvs status
+
+# Stop cluster when done
+./kvs stop node1
+./kvs stop node2
+./kvs stop node3
 ```
 
 ## 🔄 How It Works
@@ -364,9 +426,10 @@ go build -o kvs .
 ./integration_test.sh
 
 # Manual basic functionality test
-./kvs &
+./kvs start config.yaml
+sleep 2
 curl http://localhost:8080/health
-pkill kvs
+./kvs stop config
 
 # Manual cluster test (requires creating configs)
 echo 'node_id: "test1"
@@ -379,8 +442,9 @@ port: 8082
 seed_nodes: ["127.0.0.1:8081"]
 auth_enabled: false' > test2.yaml
 
-./kvs test1.yaml &
+./kvs start test1.yaml
-./kvs test2.yaml &
+sleep 2
+./kvs start test2.yaml
 
 # Test data replication (wait for cluster formation)
 sleep 10
@@ -393,7 +457,8 @@ sleep 30
 curl http://localhost:8082/kv/test/data
 
 # Cleanup
-pkill kvs
+./kvs stop test1
+./kvs stop test2
 rm test1.yaml test2.yaml
 ```
 
@@ -418,17 +483,22 @@ auth_enabled: false
 log_level: "debug"' > conflict2.yaml
 
 # Start nodes with conflicting data
-./kvs conflict1.yaml &
+./kvs start conflict1.yaml
-./kvs conflict2.yaml &
+sleep 2
+./kvs start conflict2.yaml
 
 # Watch logs for conflict resolution
+tail -f ~/.kvs/logs/kvs_conflict1.yaml.log ~/.kvs/logs/kvs_conflict2.yaml.log &
+
 # Both nodes will converge within ~10-30 seconds
 # Check final state
 sleep 30
 curl http://localhost:9111/kv/test/conflict/data
 curl http://localhost:9112/kv/test/conflict/data
 
-pkill kvs
+# Cleanup
+./kvs stop conflict1
+./kvs stop conflict2
 rm conflict1.yaml conflict2.yaml
 ```
 
@@ -474,6 +544,10 @@ kvs/
 ├── config/                    # Configuration management
 │   └── config.go             # Config loading & defaults
 │
+├── daemon/                    # Process management
+│   ├── daemonize.go          # Background process spawning
+│   └── pid.go                # PID file management
+│
 ├── features/                  # Utility features
 │   ├── auth.go               # Auth utilities
 │   ├── backup.go             # Backup system
@@ -580,8 +654,9 @@ type StoredValue struct {
 ## 🛡️ Production Considerations
 
 ### Deployment
-- Use systemd or similar for process management
+- Built-in daemon commands (`start`/`stop`/`restart`/`status`) for process management
-- Configure log rotation for JSON logs
+- Alternatively, use systemd or similar for advanced orchestration
+- Logs automatically written to `~/.kvs/logs/` (configure log rotation)
 - Set up monitoring for `/health` endpoint
 - Use reverse proxy (nginx/traefik) for TLS and load balancing
 

daemon/daemonize.go

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+package daemon
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"syscall"
+)
+
+// GetLogFilePath returns the log file path for a given config file
+func GetLogFilePath(configPath string) (string, error) {
+	logDir, err := getLogDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+
+	absConfigPath, err := filepath.Abs(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to get absolute config path: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	basename := filepath.Base(configPath)
+	name := filepath.Base(filepath.Dir(absConfigPath)) + "_" + basename
+	return filepath.Join(logDir, name+".log"), nil
+}
+
+// Daemonize spawns the process as a daemon and returns
+func Daemonize(configPath string) error {
+	// Get absolute path to the current executable
+	executable, err := os.Executable()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to get executable path: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Get absolute path to config
+	absConfigPath, err := filepath.Abs(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to get absolute config path: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check if already running
+	_, running, err := ReadPID(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to check if instance is running: %w", err)
+	}
+	if running {
+		return fmt.Errorf("instance is already running")
+	}
+
+	// Spawn the process in background with --daemon flag
+	cmd := exec.Command(executable, "--daemon", absConfigPath)
+	cmd.SysProcAttr = &syscall.SysProcAttr{
+		Setsid: true, // Create new session
+	}
+
+	// Redirect stdout/stderr to log file
+	logDir, err := getLogDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to get log directory: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(logDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create log directory: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	basename := filepath.Base(configPath)
+	name := filepath.Base(filepath.Dir(absConfigPath)) + "_" + basename
+	logFile := filepath.Join(logDir, name+".log")
+
+	f, err := os.OpenFile(logFile, os.O_CREATE|os.O_WRONLY|os.O_APPEND, 0644)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to open log file: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer f.Close()
+
+	cmd.Stdout = f
+	cmd.Stderr = f
+
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to start daemon: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Started KVS instance '%s' (PID will be written by daemon)\n", filepath.Base(configPath))
+	fmt.Printf("Logs: %s\n", logFile)
+
+	return nil
+}

daemon/pid.go

@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+package daemon
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"syscall"
+)
+
+// getPIDDir returns the absolute path to the PID directory
+func getPIDDir() (string, error) {
+	homeDir, err := os.UserHomeDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to get user home directory: %w", err)
+	}
+	return filepath.Join(homeDir, ".kvs", "pids"), nil
+}
+
+// getLogDir returns the absolute path to the log directory
+func getLogDir() (string, error) {
+	homeDir, err := os.UserHomeDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to get user home directory: %w", err)
+	}
+	return filepath.Join(homeDir, ".kvs", "logs"), nil
+}
+
+// GetPIDFilePath returns the PID file path for a given config file
+func GetPIDFilePath(configPath string) string {
+	pidDir, err := getPIDDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		// Fallback to local directory
+		pidDir = ".kvs/pids"
+	}
+
+	// Extract basename without extension
+	basename := filepath.Base(configPath)
+	name := strings.TrimSuffix(basename, filepath.Ext(basename))
+
+	return filepath.Join(pidDir, name+".pid")
+}
+
+// EnsurePIDDir creates the PID directory if it doesn't exist
+func EnsurePIDDir() error {
+	pidDir, err := getPIDDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return os.MkdirAll(pidDir, 0755)
+}
+
+// WritePID writes the current process PID to a file
+func WritePID(configPath string) error {
+	if err := EnsurePIDDir(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create PID directory: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	pidFile := GetPIDFilePath(configPath)
+	pid := os.Getpid()
+
+	return os.WriteFile(pidFile, []byte(fmt.Sprintf("%d\n", pid)), 0644)
+}
+
+// ReadPID reads the PID from a file and checks if the process is running
+func ReadPID(configPath string) (int, bool, error) {
+	pidFile := GetPIDFilePath(configPath)
+
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(pidFile)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			return 0, false, nil
+		}
+		return 0, false, fmt.Errorf("failed to read PID file: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	pidStr := strings.TrimSpace(string(data))
+	pid, err := strconv.Atoi(pidStr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, false, fmt.Errorf("invalid PID in file: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check if process is actually running
+	process, err := os.FindProcess(pid)
+	if err != nil {
+		return pid, false, nil
+	}
+
+	// Send signal 0 to check if process exists
+	err = process.Signal(syscall.Signal(0))
+	if err != nil {
+		return pid, false, nil
+	}
+
+	return pid, true, nil
+}
+
+// RemovePID removes the PID file
+func RemovePID(configPath string) error {
+	pidFile := GetPIDFilePath(configPath)
+	err := os.Remove(pidFile)
+	if err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to remove PID file: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// ListRunningInstances returns a list of running KVS instances
+func ListRunningInstances() ([]InstanceInfo, error) {
+	var instances []InstanceInfo
+
+	pidDir, err := getPIDDir()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Check if PID directory exists
+	if _, err := os.Stat(pidDir); os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return instances, nil
+	}
+
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir(pidDir)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to read PID directory: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	for _, entry := range entries {
+		if entry.IsDir() || !strings.HasSuffix(entry.Name(), ".pid") {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		name := strings.TrimSuffix(entry.Name(), ".pid")
+		configPath := name + ".yaml" // Assume .yaml extension
+
+		pid, running, err := ReadPID(configPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		instances = append(instances, InstanceInfo{
+			Name:    name,
+			PID:     pid,
+			Running: running,
+		})
+	}
+
+	return instances, nil
+}
+
+// InstanceInfo holds information about a KVS instance
+type InstanceInfo struct {
+	Name    string
+	PID     int
+	Running bool
+}
+
+// StopProcess stops a process by PID
+func StopProcess(pid int) error {
+	process, err := os.FindProcess(pid)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to find process: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Try graceful shutdown first (SIGTERM)
+	if err := process.Signal(syscall.SIGTERM); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to send SIGTERM: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}

integration_test.sh

@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ cleanup() {
     log_info "Cleaning up test environment..."
     pkill -f "$BINARY" 2>/dev/null || true
     rm -rf "$TEST_DIR" 2>/dev/null || true
+    rm -rf "$HOME/.kvs" 2>/dev/null || true  # Clean up PID and log files from home dir
     sleep 2  # Allow processes to fully terminate
 }
 
@@ -53,7 +54,7 @@ wait_for_service() {
     local port=$1
     local timeout=${2:-30}
     local count=0
-    
+
     while [ $count -lt $timeout ]; do
         if curl -s "http://localhost:$port/health" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
             return 0
@@ -64,6 +65,15 @@ wait_for_service() {
     return 1
 }
 
+# Get log file path for a config file (matches daemon naming convention)
+get_log_file() {
+    local config=$1
+    local abs_path=$(realpath "$config")
+    local basename=$(basename "$config")
+    local dirname=$(basename $(dirname "$abs_path"))
+    echo "$HOME/.kvs/logs/${dirname}_${basename}.log"
+}
+
 # Test 1: Build verification
 test_build() {
     test_start "Binary build verification"
@@ -82,7 +92,7 @@ test_build() {
 # Test 2: Basic functionality
 test_basic_functionality() {
     test_start "Basic functionality test"
-    
+
     # Create basic config
     cat > basic.yaml <<EOF
 node_id: "basic-test"
@@ -94,20 +104,20 @@ log_level: "error"
 allow_anonymous_read: true
 allow_anonymous_write: true
 EOF
-    
+
-    # Start node
+    # Start node using daemon command
-    $BINARY basic.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1 &
+    $BINARY start basic.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    local pid=$!
+    sleep 2
-    
+
     if wait_for_service 8090; then
         # Test basic CRUD
         local put_result=$(curl -s -X PUT http://localhost:8090/kv/test/basic \
             -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
             -d '{"message":"hello world"}')
-        
+
         local get_result=$(curl -s http://localhost:8090/kv/test/basic)
-        local message=$(echo "$get_result" | jq -r '.data.message' 2>/dev/null) # Adjusted jq path
+        local message=$(echo "$get_result" | jq -r '.data.message' 2>/dev/null)
-        
+
         if [ "$message" = "hello world" ]; then
             log_success "Basic CRUD operations work"
         else
@@ -116,9 +126,9 @@ EOF
     else
         log_error "Basic test node failed to start"
     fi
-    
+
-    kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+    $BINARY stop basic.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    sleep 2
+    sleep 1
 }
 
 # Test 3: Cluster formation
@@ -160,23 +170,22 @@ allow_anonymous_write: true
 cluster_secret: "$CLUSTER_SECRET"
 EOF
     
-    # Start nodes
+    # Start nodes using daemon commands
-    $BINARY cluster1.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1 &
+    $BINARY start cluster1.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    local pid1=$!
+    sleep 2
-    
+
     if ! wait_for_service 8101; then
         log_error "Cluster node 1 failed to start"
-        kill $pid1 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop cluster1.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
         return 1
     fi
-    
+
-    sleep 2 # Give node 1 a moment to fully initialize
+    $BINARY start cluster2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    $BINARY cluster2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1 &
+    sleep 2
-    local pid2=$!
+
-    
     if ! wait_for_service 8102; then
         log_error "Cluster node 2 failed to start"
-        kill $pid1 $pid2 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop cluster1.yaml cluster2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
         return 1
     fi
     
@@ -224,9 +233,9 @@ EOF
     else
         log_error "Cluster formation failed (N1 members: $node1_members, N2 members: $node2_members)"
     fi
-    
+
-    kill $pid1 $pid2 2>/dev/null || true
+    $BINARY stop cluster1.yaml cluster2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    sleep 2
+    sleep 1
 }
 
 # Test 4: Conflict resolution (Merkle Tree based)
@@ -274,16 +283,15 @@ allow_anonymous_write: true
 cluster_secret: "$CLUSTER_SECRET"
 EOF
         
-        # Start nodes
+        # Start nodes using daemon commands
         # Node 1 started first, making it "older" for tie-breaker if timestamps are equal
-        "$BINARY" conflict1.yaml >conflict1.log 2>&1 &
+        $BINARY start conflict1.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-        local pid1=$!
+        sleep 2
-        
+
         if wait_for_service 8111; then
+            $BINARY start conflict2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
             sleep 2
-            $BINARY conflict2.yaml >conflict2.log 2>&1 &
+
-            local pid2=$!
-            
             if wait_for_service 8112; then
                 # Get initial data (full StoredValue)
                 local node1_initial_full=$(curl -s http://localhost:8111/kv/test/conflict/data)
@@ -344,8 +352,10 @@ EOF
                         log_error "Resolved data has inconsistent UUID/Timestamp: N1_UUID=$node1_final_uuid, N1_TS=$node1_final_timestamp, N2_UUID=$node2_final_uuid, N2_TS=$node2_final_timestamp"
                     fi
 
-                    # Optionally, check logs for conflict resolution messages
+                    # Check logs for conflict resolution messages
-                    if grep -q "Conflict resolved" conflict1.log conflict2.log 2>/dev/null; then
+                    local log1=$(get_log_file conflict1.yaml)
+                    local log2=$(get_log_file conflict2.yaml)
+                    if grep -q "Conflict resolved" "$log1" "$log2" 2>/dev/null; then
                         log_success "Conflict resolution messages found in logs"
                     else
                         log_error "No 'Conflict resolved' messages found in logs, but data converged."
@@ -357,14 +367,14 @@ EOF
             else
                 log_error "Conflict node 2 failed to start"
             fi
-            
+
-            kill $pid2 2>/dev/null || true
+            $BINARY stop conflict2.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
         else
             log_error "Conflict node 1 failed to start"
         fi
-        
+
-        kill $pid1 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop conflict1.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-        sleep 2
+        sleep 1
     else
         cd "$TEST_DIR"
         log_error "Failed to create conflict test data. Ensure test_conflict.go is correct."
@@ -388,22 +398,21 @@ allow_anonymous_read: false
 allow_anonymous_write: false
 EOF
     
-    # Start node
+    # Start node using daemon command
-    $BINARY auth_test.yaml >auth_test.log 2>&1 &
+    $BINARY start auth_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    local pid=$!
+    sleep 3  # Allow daemon to start and root account creation
-    
+
     if wait_for_service 8095; then
-        sleep 2  # Allow root account creation
-        
         # Extract the token from logs
-        local token=$(grep "Token:" auth_test.log | sed 's/.*Token: //' | tr -d '\n\r')
+        local log_file=$(get_log_file auth_test.yaml)
-        
+        local token=$(grep "Token:" "$log_file" | sed 's/.*Token: //' | tr -d '\n\r')
+
         if [ -z "$token" ]; then
             log_error "Failed to extract authentication token from logs"
-            kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+            $BINARY stop auth_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
             return
         fi
-        
+
         # Test 1: Admin endpoints should fail without authentication
         local no_auth_response=$(curl -s -X POST http://localhost:8095/api/users -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"nickname":"test","password":"test"}')
         if echo "$no_auth_response" | grep -q "Unauthorized"; then
@@ -411,7 +420,7 @@ EOF
         else
             log_error "Admin endpoints should reject unauthenticated requests, got: $no_auth_response"
         fi
-        
+
         # Test 2: Admin endpoints should work with valid authentication
         local auth_response=$(curl -s -X POST http://localhost:8095/api/users -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer $token" -d '{"nickname":"authtest","password":"authtest"}')
         if echo "$auth_response" | grep -q "uuid"; then
@@ -419,7 +428,7 @@ EOF
         else
             log_error "Admin endpoints should work with authentication, got: $auth_response"
         fi
-        
+
         # Test 3: KV endpoints should require auth when anonymous access is disabled
         local kv_no_auth=$(curl -s -X PUT http://localhost:8095/kv/test/auth -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"test":"auth"}')
         if echo "$kv_no_auth" | grep -q "Unauthorized"; then
@@ -427,7 +436,7 @@ EOF
         else
             log_error "KV endpoints should require auth when anonymous access disabled, got: $kv_no_auth"
         fi
-        
+
         # Test 4: KV endpoints should work with valid authentication
         local kv_auth=$(curl -s -X PUT http://localhost:8095/kv/test/auth -H "Content-Type: application/json" -H "Authorization: Bearer $token" -d '{"test":"auth"}')
         if echo "$kv_auth" | grep -q "uuid\|timestamp" || [ -z "$kv_auth" ]; then
@@ -435,12 +444,12 @@ EOF
         else
             log_error "KV endpoints should work with authentication, got: $kv_auth"
         fi
-        
+
-        kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop auth_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-        sleep 2
+        sleep 1
     else
         log_error "Auth test node failed to start"
-        kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop auth_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
     fi
 }
 
@@ -461,19 +470,18 @@ allow_anonymous_read: false
 allow_anonymous_write: false
 EOF
 
-    # Start node
+    # Start node using daemon command
-    $BINARY metadata_test.yaml >metadata_test.log 2>&1 &
+    $BINARY start metadata_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-    local pid=$!
+    sleep 3  # Allow daemon to start and root account creation
 
     if wait_for_service 8096; then
-        sleep 2  # Allow root account creation
-
         # Extract the token from logs
-        local token=$(grep "Token:" metadata_test.log | sed 's/.*Token: //' | tr -d '\n\r')
+        local log_file=$(get_log_file metadata_test.yaml)
+        local token=$(grep "Token:" "$log_file" | sed 's/.*Token: //' | tr -d '\n\r')
 
         if [ -z "$token" ]; then
             log_error "Failed to extract authentication token from logs"
-            kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+            $BINARY stop metadata_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
             return
         fi
 
@@ -525,14 +533,78 @@ EOF
             log_error "Metadata endpoints should require authentication, got code: $no_auth_code"
         fi
 
-        kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop metadata_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
-        sleep 2
+        sleep 1
     else
         log_error "Metadata test node failed to start"
-        kill $pid 2>/dev/null || true
+        $BINARY stop metadata_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
     fi
 }
 
+# Test 7: Daemon commands (start, stop, status, restart)
+test_daemon_commands() {
+    test_start "Daemon command tests (start, stop, status, restart)"
+
+    # Create daemon test config
+    cat > daemon_test.yaml <<EOF
+node_id: "daemon-test"
+bind_address: "127.0.0.1"
+port: 8097
+data_dir: "./daemon_test_data"
+seed_nodes: []
+log_level: "error"
+allow_anonymous_read: true
+allow_anonymous_write: true
+EOF
+
+    # Test 1: Start command
+    $BINARY start daemon_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
+    sleep 3  # Allow daemon to start
+
+    if wait_for_service 8097 5; then
+        log_success "Daemon 'start' command works"
+
+        # Test 2: Status command shows running
+        local status_output=$($BINARY status daemon_test.yaml 2>&1)
+        if echo "$status_output" | grep -q "RUNNING"; then
+            log_success "Daemon 'status' command shows RUNNING"
+        else
+            log_error "Daemon 'status' should show RUNNING, got: $status_output"
+        fi
+
+        # Test 3: Stop command
+        $BINARY stop daemon_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
+        sleep 2
+
+        # Check that service is actually stopped
+        if ! curl -s "http://localhost:8097/health" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            log_success "Daemon 'stop' command works"
+        else
+            log_error "Daemon should be stopped but is still responding"
+        fi
+
+        # Test 4: Restart command
+        $BINARY restart daemon_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
+        sleep 3
+
+        if wait_for_service 8097 5; then
+            log_success "Daemon 'restart' command works"
+
+            # Clean up
+            $BINARY stop daemon_test.yaml >/dev/null 2>&1
+            sleep 1
+        else
+            log_error "Daemon 'restart' failed to start service"
+        fi
+    else
+        log_error "Daemon 'start' command failed"
+    fi
+
+    # Ensure cleanup
+    pkill -f "daemon_test.yaml" 2>/dev/null || true
+    sleep 1
+}
+
 # Main test execution
 main() {
     echo "=================================================="
@@ -552,6 +624,7 @@ main() {
     test_conflict_resolution
     test_authentication_middleware
     test_metadata_management
+    test_daemon_commands
 
     # Results
     echo "=================================================="

main.go

@@ -6,25 +6,90 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"os/signal"
 	"syscall"
+	"time"
+
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
 
 	"kvs/config"
+	"kvs/daemon"
 	"kvs/server"
 )
 
 func main() {
-	configPath := "./config.yaml"
+	if len(os.Args) < 2 {
-
+		// No arguments - run in foreground with default config
-	// Simple CLI argument parsing
+		runServer("./config.yaml", false)
-	if len(os.Args) > 1 {
+		return
-		configPath = os.Args[1]
 	}
 
+	// Check if this is a daemon spawn
+	if os.Args[1] == "--daemon" {
+		if len(os.Args) < 3 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: --daemon flag requires config path\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		runServer(os.Args[2], true)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Parse subcommand
+	command := os.Args[1]
+
+	switch command {
+	case "start":
+		if len(os.Args) < 3 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Usage: kvs start <config>\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		cmdStart(normalizeConfigPath(os.Args[2]))
+
+	case "stop":
+		if len(os.Args) < 3 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Usage: kvs stop <config>\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		cmdStop(normalizeConfigPath(os.Args[2]))
+
+	case "restart":
+		if len(os.Args) < 3 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Usage: kvs restart <config>\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		cmdRestart(normalizeConfigPath(os.Args[2]))
+
+	case "status":
+		if len(os.Args) > 2 {
+			cmdStatusSingle(normalizeConfigPath(os.Args[2]))
+		} else {
+			cmdStatusAll()
+		}
+
+	case "help", "--help", "-h":
+		printHelp()
+
+	default:
+		// Backward compatibility: assume it's a config file path
+		runServer(command, false)
+	}
+}
+
+func runServer(configPath string, isDaemon bool) {
 	cfg, err := config.Load(configPath)
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to load configuration: %v\n", err)
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
 
+	// Write PID file if running as daemon
+	if isDaemon {
+		if err := daemon.WritePID(configPath); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to write PID file: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		defer daemon.RemovePID(configPath)
+	}
+
 	kvServer, err := server.NewServer(cfg)
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to create server: %v\n", err)
@@ -45,3 +110,135 @@ func main() {
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
 }
+
+func cmdStart(configPath string) {
+	if err := daemon.Daemonize(configPath); err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to start: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+}
+
+func cmdStop(configPath string) {
+	pid, running, err := daemon.ReadPID(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to read PID: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if !running {
+		fmt.Printf("Instance '%s' is not running\n", configPath)
+		// Clean up stale PID file
+		daemon.RemovePID(configPath)
+		return
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Stopping instance '%s' (PID %d)...\n", configPath, pid)
+	if err := daemon.StopProcess(pid); err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to stop process: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Wait a bit and verify it stopped
+	time.Sleep(1 * time.Second)
+	_, stillRunning, _ := daemon.ReadPID(configPath)
+	if stillRunning {
+		fmt.Printf("Warning: Process may still be running\n")
+	} else {
+		daemon.RemovePID(configPath)
+		fmt.Printf("Stopped successfully\n")
+	}
+}
+
+func cmdRestart(configPath string) {
+	// Check if running
+	_, running, err := daemon.ReadPID(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to check status: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if running {
+		cmdStop(configPath)
+		// Wait a bit for clean shutdown
+		time.Sleep(2 * time.Second)
+	}
+
+	cmdStart(configPath)
+}
+
+func cmdStatusSingle(configPath string) {
+	pid, running, err := daemon.ReadPID(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to read PID: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if running {
+		fmt.Printf("Instance '%s': RUNNING (PID %d)\n", configPath, pid)
+	} else if pid > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("Instance '%s': STOPPED (stale PID %d)\n", configPath, pid)
+	} else {
+		fmt.Printf("Instance '%s': STOPPED\n", configPath)
+	}
+}
+
+func cmdStatusAll() {
+	instances, err := daemon.ListRunningInstances()
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Failed to list instances: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if len(instances) == 0 {
+		fmt.Println("No KVS instances found")
+		return
+	}
+
+	fmt.Println("KVS Instances:")
+	for _, inst := range instances {
+		status := "STOPPED"
+		if inst.Running {
+			status = "RUNNING"
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("  %-20s %s (PID %d)\n", inst.Name, status, inst.PID)
+	}
+}
+
+// normalizeConfigPath ensures config path has .yaml extension if not specified
+func normalizeConfigPath(path string) string {
+	// If path doesn't have an extension, add .yaml
+	if filepath.Ext(path) == "" {
+		return path + ".yaml"
+	}
+	return path
+}
+
+// getConfigIdentifier returns the identifier for a config (basename without extension)
+// This is used for PID files and status display
+func getConfigIdentifier(path string) string {
+	basename := filepath.Base(path)
+	return strings.TrimSuffix(basename, filepath.Ext(basename))
+}
+
+func printHelp() {
+	help := `KVS - Distributed Key-Value Store
+
+Usage:
+  kvs [config.yaml]              Run in foreground (default: ./config.yaml)
+  kvs start <config>             Start as daemon (.yaml extension optional)
+  kvs stop <config>              Stop daemon (.yaml extension optional)
+  kvs restart <config>           Restart daemon (.yaml extension optional)
+  kvs status [config]            Show status (all instances if no config given)
+  kvs help                       Show this help
+
+Examples:
+  kvs                            # Run with ./config.yaml in foreground
+  kvs node1.yaml                 # Run with node1.yaml in foreground
+  kvs start node1                # Start node1.yaml as daemon
+  kvs start node1.yaml           # Same as above
+  kvs stop node1                 # Stop node1 daemon
+  kvs status                     # Show all running instances
+  kvs status node1               # Show status of node1
+`
+	fmt.Print(help)
+}