Zippy

A modern file watcher for fast edit-build-run loops

Zippy is a lightweight Linux CLI that watches a file or directory and reruns your command the moment you save. It is designed for C++ development, but works well anywhere you want quick feedback without manually restarting commands.

Why Zippy

• Watches a file or directory for changes.
• Reruns your command immediately after a save.
• Supports simple configuration through Zippy.json.
• Can keep logs for later inspection.

Quick Start

make build
./build/zippy ./path/to/file-or-dir

Install it globally:

sudo make install

Or install for your user only:

make install PREFIX=$HOME/.local

After install:

zippy ./path

Configuration

Zippy loads Zippy.json from the current working directory:

{
  "delay": 1000000,
  "ignore": [],
  "save_log": false,
  "log_path": "zippy.log",
  "cmd": "make && ./build/out"
}

• delay is the debounce interval in microseconds. Default: 1000000.
• ignore is parsed for compatibility and future use, but is not currently applied.
• cmd is the command to run when a change is detected. Placeholders: {file} and {dir}.
• save_log appends Zippy logs and child output to log_path when enabled.
• log_path sets the log file name used when save_log=true. Default: zippy.log.

Generate a starter config with:

zippy --generate

CLI Reference

• --help shows help.
• --version prints the version.
• --config prints the active config summary.
• --log prints the configured log file when save_log=true.
• --clear truncates the configured log file when save_log=true.
• --credits shows credits.
• --generate writes Zippy.json.

Example Output

2026-03-11 12:45:28.038 [INFO] zippy Starting Zippy v1.3.0
2026-03-11 12:45:28.039 [INFO] zippy Watching file: /home/user/project/src/main.cpp
2026-03-11 12:45:29.201 [INFO] zippy Running: make && ./build/out
2026-03-11 12:45:33.812 [WARN] zippy File changed; re-running command...
Your program output here...

Build And Install

Requirements:

• CMake 3.16+
• A C++20 compiler such as GCC or Clang
• Linux or a Linux-compatible environment

Common commands:

• make build configures and builds the project.
• make run ARGS="./path" runs the local build.
• make install PREFIX=/path installs zippy into PREFIX/bin.
• make clean removes the CMake build directory.

After install, make sure PREFIX/bin is on your PATH.