961b3c96d6
## Description
This PR adds a new `server:watch` script that runs MagicMirror² in
server-only mode with automatic restart and browser reload capabilities.
Particularly helpful for:
- **Developers** who need to see changes immediately without manual
restarts.
- **Users setting up their mirror** who make many changes to `config.js`
or `custom.css` and need quick feedback.
### What it does
When you run `npm run server:watch`, the watcher monitors files you
specify in `config.watchTargets`. Whenever a monitored file changes:
1. The server automatically restarts
2. Waits for the port to become available
3. Sends a reload notification to all connected browsers via Socket.io
4. Browsers automatically refresh to show the changes
This creates a seamless development experience where you can edit code,
save, and see the results within seconds.
### Implementation highlights
**Zero dependencies:** Uses only Node.js built-ins (`fs.watch`,
`child_process.spawn`, `net`, `http`) - no nodemon or external watchers
needed.
**Smart file watching:** Monitors parent directories instead of files
directly to handle atomic writes from modern editors (VSCode, etc.) that
create temporary files during save operations.
**Port management:** Waits for the old server instance to fully release
the port before starting a new one, preventing "port already in use"
errors.
### Configuration
Users explicitly define which files to monitor in their `config.js`:
```js
let config = {
watchTargets: [
"config/config.js",
"css/custom.css",
"modules/MMM-MyModule/MMM-MyModule.js",
"modules/MMM-MyModule/node_helper.js"
],
// ... rest of config
};
```
This explicit approach keeps the implementation simple (~260 lines)
while giving users full control over what triggers restarts. If
`watchTargets` is empty or undefined, the watcher starts but monitors
nothing, logging a clear warning message.
---
**Note:** This PR description has been updated to reflect the final
implementation. During the review process, we refined the approach
multiple times based on feedback.
---------
Co-authored-by: Jboucly <contact@jboucly.fr>
Co-authored-by: Kristjan ESPERANTO <35647502+KristjanESPERANTO@users.noreply.github.com>
MagicMirror² is an open source modular smart mirror platform. With a growing list of installable modules, the MagicMirror² allows you to convert your hallway or bathroom mirror into your personal assistant. MagicMirror² is built by the creator of the original MagicMirror with the incredible help of a growing community of contributors.
MagicMirror² focuses on a modular plugin system and uses Electron as an application wrapper. So no more web server or browser installs necessary!
Documentation
For the full documentation including installation instructions, please visit our dedicated documentation website: https://docs.magicmirror.builders.
Links
- Website: https://magicmirror.builders
- Documentation: https://docs.magicmirror.builders
- Forum: https://forum.magicmirror.builders
- Technical discussions: https://forum.magicmirror.builders/category/11/core-system
- Discord: https://discord.gg/J5BAtvx
- Blog: https://michaelteeuw.nl/tagged/magicmirror
- Donations: https://magicmirror.builders/#donate
Contributing Guidelines
Contributions of all kinds are welcome, not only in the form of code but also with regards to
- bug reports
- documentation
- translations
For the full contribution guidelines, check out: https://docs.magicmirror.builders/about/contributing.html
Enjoying MagicMirror? Consider a donation!
MagicMirror² is Open Source and free. That doesn't mean we don't need any money.
Please consider a donation to help us cover the ongoing costs like webservers and email services. If we receive enough donations we might even be able to free up some working hours and spend some extra time improving the MagicMirror² core.
To donate, please follow this link.
