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watchexec for Mac

Execute commands when watched files change

Quick answer: watchexec is a command-line tool for macOS. Install it with brew install watchexec. It is distributed under the Apache-2.0 licence. It has 2,388 Homebrew installs in the last 30 days.

What watchexec is

watchexec is a command-line tool for macOS: execute commands when watched files change.

It is distributed as a Homebrew formula, which builds or pours a binary and puts it on your PATH. It is distributed under the Apache-2.0 licence.

How to install watchexec

  1. Open Terminal (press ⌘ + Space and type “Terminal”).
  2. If Homebrew is not installed yet, run the installer below once.
  3. Run brew install watchexec.

Homebrew installer, if you need it:

Prefer a graphical installer? Download it from the official site. MacPicks never hosts or mirrors binaries — the Homebrew command always pulls from the vendor's own release.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I install watchexec on Mac?

Run brew install watchexec in Terminal. This requires Homebrew; if you do not have it, install it first with the command below.

Is watchexec open source?

Yes — Homebrew distributes it under the Apache-2.0 licence.

Does watchexec run on Apple silicon?

Homebrew publishes this formula for macOS. If upstream does not ship an Apple silicon build, Rosetta 2 handles the Intel binary.

How popular is watchexec?

It was installed 2,388 times in the last 30 days according to Homebrew analytics, ranking #598 in this catalogue.

What version of watchexec is current?

The latest packaged version is 2.8.0.