Open CLI

watchexec

scriptableproductivity
$ brew install watchexec
Summary

File watching, automation, and dev loops from the terminal.

  • watchexec fits git & github well, especially for file watching, automation, and dev loops from the terminal.
  • 2,207 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.
  • Good fit for coding-agent workflows and repeatable scripts.
  • Output is mostly text-first, so verify results before scripting around it.
github-watchexec-SKILL.md

Watchexec guide

File watching, automation, and dev loops from the terminal. Built by watchexec.

Open CLI packages the install path, verify step, and safe-start workflow so this tool can move from “interesting CLI” to something you can actually use. It also integrates with skills.sh so each CLI comes with the right companion skills, not just a binary and a docs link.

When to apply

  • file watching, automation, and dev loops from the terminal.
  • You work with productivity workflows and want a fast terminal interface.
  • You need file watching.
  • You need automation.
  • You need dev loops.

Quick reference

Installbrew install watchexec
Verifywatchexec --version
First real commandwatchexec -e ts,tsx npm test

Open CLI × skills.sh

Open CLI integrates watchexec with the right skills.sh companions so you get the tool and the workflow together.

Workflow Automation

Recommended pairing

Open CLI recommends this skills.sh skill because it fits productivity workflows. Turn repeated CLI sequences into cleaner, more reliable agent workflows.

View on skills.sh
$ npx skills add https://github.com/supercent-io/skills-template --skill workflow-automation
Starter prompt

Use watchexec together with the Workflow Automation skills.sh skill. Start with safe inspection commands, summarize what you find, and ask before any step with side effects.

Also useful from skills.sh
Technical Writingskills.shDebuggingskills.sh

Why this tool

  • watchexec fits git & github well, especially for file watching, automation, and dev loops from the terminal.
  • 2,207 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Watch-outs

  • Output is mostly plain text.
  • Better for local use than CI.

Example workflow

1. watchexec -e ts,tsx npm test

Safe start

Step 1

Install watchexec.

Step 2

Run `watchexec --version` first.

Step 3

Start with `watchexec -e ts,tsx npm test`.

Step 4

Install the CLI and make sure it is on your PATH.

Alternatives worth considering

prettier

Formatting, markdown, and code consistency from the terminal.

eslint

Linting, js rules, and code health from the terminal.

vitest

Testing, watch mode, and js unit tests from the terminal.