This repo contains a Python implementation mimicking the classic Unix watch command. It provides additional functionality to allow for scrolling, paging and cycling between multiple commands. It should also be able to handle dynamic terminal resizing, including height, width & in/out zooming.
- Python >= 3.x
- Tested on Ubuntu 16.04
- Tested on the default terminal, Yakuake and Terminator
Update: Removed all Python >= 3.6 requirements. It should now run with any version of Python 3.
- Remember to make the file executable:
chmod +x path/to/scripts/pywatch - (Optional) Add to system path, e.g. ~/.bashrc:
export PATH=/path/to/scripts/:$PATH
Assuming the script has been added to the system path, it can be used as a simple replacement for "watch".
Otherwise, replace pywatch with path/to/stripts/pywatch in the examples below.
# Default 1 sec interval
pywatch echo Hello World
# Set interval to half a second
pywatch -n .5 "cat long_logfile.log"
# Two commands we can switch between (default 5 secs)
pywatch "echo Hello World && echo Foo Bar"
# Set cycle time and begin cycling
pywatch -c 10 "cat long_logfile.log && echo Hello World" --cycle
- Scrolling: UP/DOWN keys or mouse wheel
- Paging: LEFT/RIGHT keys or PageUp/PageDown keys
- Top/bottom of command: Home/End keys
- Cycle between commands: Tab/Ctrl+Tab keys
- Toggle cycling mode: C key
- Change refresh interval: I key + enter the new interval time
- As an indicator, the header is displayed in CYAN when "Cycling" mode is active.
- The TextBox used to change interval time uses Emacs bindings (which I don't think can be changed), e.g. to delete use Ctrl+H