Do something when files change, it's that simple.
When files change, run my tests:
when-files-change -- rake test
When files change, build my css assets:
when-files-change -- make
When files change, make me a sandwich:
when-files-change -- sudo make-me-a-sandwhich
By default when-files-change ignores log folders, hidden files in your root, and source control directories. You can explicitly list any other files you want to ignore:
when-files-change --ignore 'build' -- make
To quit press CTRL-D or CTRL-C. To force the command to be run, press Enter.
That's about all there is to it. Most of the credit for this tool goes to the guard/listen library since it does all leg work. when-files-change just wraps it in an easy to use command.
Used with a build tool like Rake, Make, or some other *ake, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle. If this doesn't suit your needs, take a look at Guard or Watchr, both projects allow special rules for processing various types of events.
Install when-files-change with rubygems:
gem install when-files-change
Adam Sanderson, http://www.monkeyandcrow.com