A file watcher that runs commands when files change, with output to acme windows or terminal.
Watch is a command-line utility that monitors a directory tree for file changes and automatically executes a specified command when modifications are detected. It provides a lightweight automation solution for developers who need to trigger actions like builds, tests, or scripts in response to file system events.
Developers, particularly those working in Unix-like environments or using the Acme editor, who need to automate tasks based on file changes.
It follows the Unix philosophy of doing one thing well, offering a simple, focused tool without unnecessary complexity, and includes features like exclusion patterns and flexible output options.
Watches for changes in a directory tree and reruns a command in an acme win or just on the terminal.
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Watches entire directory trees recursively with the -p flag, ensuring comprehensive change detection across all subdirectories without manual configuration.
Sends command output to Acme editor windows by default or to the terminal with -t, catering to different workflow preferences, especially for Acme users.
Supports regular expressions via -x to exclude specific files or directories, allowing precise control over what triggers commands, such as ignoring build artifacts.
Provides verbose output with -v to help troubleshoot monitoring issues, offering insights into file change events and command execution failures.
Heavily tied to Unix-like systems and the Acme editor, limiting usability on Windows or in environments without these tools, as noted in its design philosophy.
Lacks advanced features like event type filtering, throttling, or integration with modern development ecosystems, relying solely on simple command execution without retry mechanisms.
The README is brief with only basic usage examples, requiring users to experiment or inspect source code for complex setups, such as error handling or performance tuning.