🪬 ssfw - Super simple file watcher

A minimal file watcher that executes a command in the foreground on file event.

Usage

ssfw --pattern '*.rs' --command 'cargo test'

Important

Please note the use of single quotes around the glob. This is required.

Help

🪬 Super simple file watcher

Usage: ssfw [OPTIONS] --pattern <PATTERN>

Options:
  -p, --pattern <PATTERN>          Filter pattern
  -c, --command <COMMAND>          Run command [default: :]
  -w, --working-dir <WORKING_DIR>  Optional working directory [default: .]
      --sh <SH>                    Shell to execute command in [default: zsh] [possible values: zsh, bash]
      --debounce <DEBOUNCE>        Optional debounce window (ms) [default: 500]
      --force-poll                 Force poll watcher
      --poll <POLL>                Polling interval (ms). Ignored unless force poll is used [default: 500]
  -v, --verbose...                 Increase logging verbosity
  -q, --quiet...                   Decrease logging verbosity
  -h, --help                       Print help
  -V, --version                    Print version

Patterns

Any valid glob pattern can be used for filtering events. If a file event is detected that matches the given patter, then the command will be ran.

Variables

Warning

Variables are unstable and subject to change

Variables allow you to pass values from the event context to the command.

For example:

ssfw --pattern '*.ts' --command 'eslint --fix {path}'

This would run eslint --fix just for the file from the event.

Supported Variables

Name	Description
path	Event detected file or dir path

Limitations

This program has a number of limitations compared to more mature and robust file watching services. Some of these limitations are by design since this aims to be a "super simple" file watcher.

1. Foreground execution only (this was a design choice and will likely not change)
2. Currently, no support for terminating a long-lived program executed by the command. Need to implement some sort of process group management and right now that is out of scope.

Alternatives

For anyone wanting a mature file wathcer, the usual suspects are recommended:

• watchexec
• Watchman