I'm trying to solve a problem I've got where a child process runs execvp() and needs to let the parent know if it returns. So, after the execvp() returns (because there's been an error), how can I tell the parent that this particular event has happened so it can handle it.

There's one method of writing a string of text through the pipe I'm using and then reading that from the parent.. but it seems a bit sloppy. Is there a better way?

Thanks!