entr (Event Notify Test Runner)
A utility for running arbitrary commands when files change.
Usage
entr takes a list of filenames from standard input and executes the utility specified as the first argument.
Syntax
<file_listing_command> | entr <utility> [arguments]
Options
-c: Clear the screen before invoking the utility.-r: Reload a persistent child process (e.g., a server).-s: Evaluate the first argument using the interpreter specified bySHELL.
Examples
Rebuild project when sources change:
find src/ -name "*.c" | entr make
Run tests when JS files change:
git ls-files | grep '\.js$' | entr npm test
Auto-reload a Node server:
ls *.js | entr -r node app.js
Agent Notes
entr blocks the terminal. When using it as an agent:
- Use
processtool to run it in the background if you need to do other things. - Or use it for a quick "watch mode" session where you intend to monitor output for a while.