try something like: 
 use POSIX ":sys_wait_h";

 sub startTheDB {
   (defined $pid = fork()) or die "Unable to fork!\n";
   if ( !$pid ) { 
     exec "StartTheDB" or die "Can't start the db!\n";
   } else {
     do {
       $kid = waitpid(-1, WNOHANG);
     } until $kid > 0;    
   }
 }

[download]
Note that you'll want to test the db from the parent after you return from the sub.

Updated: It still waits for the child - as pointed out by frodo72

Just a note that the scary looking stuff (e.g. the waitpid) is explained in the docs mentioned throughout this node and here
--------------
"But what of all those sweet words you spoke in private?"
"Oh that's just what we call pillow talk, baby, that's all."

In reply to Re^5: System Function...script does not move until process ends. by RazorbladeBidet
in thread System Function...script does not move until process ends. by curtisb

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