MM-Watcher - MagicMirror Config.js Auto-Refresh Script

chrisfr1976

Hi,

I’m currently working on a new module. I had a lot of updates to do in my code to adjust the layout. After saving changes, I had to manually refresh the MagicMirror application every time. This process is tedious, especially if you’re frequently experimenting with configurations.

That’s where this script comes in. By monitoring your config.js file (or a module.js file) for changes, it automates the refresh process. Now, every time I save my config.js, the Mirror refreshes itself instantly.

It’s seamless, efficient, and saves you from the hassle of restarting the application manually.

Perfect for developers and tinkerers alike, this script ensures your MagicMirror reflects your updates in real-time, letting you focus on creativity instead of logistics.

https://github.com/ChrisF1976/MM-Watcher

Give it a try…

Regards,
Chris.

sdetweil

@chrisfr1976 if you used my installer script, and selected pm2, I auto configure for watching the config.js file
BUT they changed the construct to only watch a folder… dumb

just fyi… if the changes you are making are in css or the UI side (modulename.js)

you don’t have to restart, just refresh the page with ctrl-r
as those two files are reloaded on refresh

chrisfr1976

@sdetweil thats why I made the module. The Pi is completely headless. So I’m in the kitchen with my laptop and enjoy this autorefresh now. Before that I’ve used a Script on my Smartphone. Also manual and annoying :-)
And sure, also the xdotool command is just pressing “ctrl+r” for me.

plainbroke

@chrisfr1976

I use a file called mm.json ,don’t remember where I got this info, but it still works great. I have it and a copy of the mm.sh in the /home/pi/ folder… the one your setup goes to when you do cd then enter.
this is the code inside it.

    "apps":[
        {
            "name":"mm",
            "script":"./mm.sh",
            "cwd":"/home/pi",
            "watch":[
                "/home/pi/MagicMirror/config/config.js"
            ],
            "watch_options":{
                "followSymlinks":true
            }
        }
    ]
}

I pm2 delete all that have to do with MagicMirror startup.
Then do a pm2 start mm.json then pm2 save and PM2 saves it as mm.
Now anytime I change something in config.js MagicMirror restarts.
I wish I was smart enough with code to figure out how to get it to restart when I modify the custom.css too.

sdetweil

@plainbroke great!!! i will fix my json file !!!thanks

chrisfr1976

@plainbroke
Hi,
my mm.sh also restarts the mirror. But my intention with was doing only a refresh to save a lot of time. My restarts script sleeps 15s before it is executed. So i created a seperate refresh script.

plainbroke

@chrisfr1976
Ok mine doesn’t wait. I usually do a list of changes I have researched.
So the complete restart of MM is ok for me.
Right now trying to figure out a couple of modules that are not loading…

sdetweil

@plainbroke interesting, my file and your have just two changes

you have the cwd: setting
you have followSymlinks (which we don’t have any of)

I added cwd to mine and now MM restarts… weird

plainbroke

@sdetweil
Glad it works for you.
I have no Idea where it came from. I would guess from someone on this forum.

sdetweil

@plainbroke well, mine looks nearly identical… just missing the cwd…

I opened an issue about this 2 years ago, never got a response…
and adding cwd (current working directory)

I don’t know how that matters… but whatever… it works now…