fs.watch incorrect event behavior on directories with rapid create/delete operations (Windows/Linux)

[sharvandeep]

Summary

When using fs.watch on a directory with rapid file creation and deletion events, the callback sometimes receives incorrect event types or misses events entirely. Behavior differs across OS platforms (Windows/Linux).

Steps to Reproduce

1. Create a script that uses fs.watch on a test directory.
2. Rapidly create/delete files in that directory (e.g., using a loop or CLI tool).
3. Observe that:
   • Some rename events are not emitted.
   • change events are emitted unexpectedly.
   • In rare cases, no events occur until another file operation triggers them.

Expected Behavior

fs.watch should emit event callbacks consistently for every create/delete operation.

Actual Behavior

Events are missed or reported incorrectly, especially under high-frequency changes.

Environment

• Node.js version: Latest Stable (please fill exact if required)
• OS: Windows 11 / Ubuntu 22.04 (issue observed on both)
• Reproduction code:

const fs = require('fs');
fs.watch('./test', (event, file) => {
  console.log(event, file);
});