watchexec is a simple, standalone tool that watches a path and runs a command whenever it detects modifications.
It’s useful for automatically running unit tests, running linters/syntax checkers, and rebuilding artifacts.
This is free and open source software.
Features include:
- Simple invocation and use, does not require a cryptic command line involving xargs
- Monitors current directory and all subdirectories for changes.
- Coalesces multiple filesystem events into one, for editors that use swap/backup files during saving.
- Loads .gitignore and .ignore files.
- Uses process groups to keep hold of forking programs.
- Provides the paths that changed in environment variables or STDIN.
- Does not require a language runtime, not tied to any particular language or ecosystem.
- Optionally clears screen between executions
- Optionally restarts the command with every modification (good for servers)
- Optionally sends a desktop notification on command start and end.
- Not tied to any particular language or ecosystem.
- Not tied to Git or the presence of a repository/project.
- Does not require a cryptic command line involving xargs.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: watchexec.github.io
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Félix Saparelli
License: Apache License 2.0
watchexec is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials
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