Nodemon
Nodemon is an elegant tool that legitimizes you to develop applications based on node.js by an automated start of the application whenever certain changes in files are detected present in the directory. This modern utility does not need any additional changes to the code or type of development you will use. Nodemon is also providing the default support for node and is very easy to run any executable including ruby, make, Python, extra.
Nodemon seems to be a perfect replacement for your node wrapper and to use this; you must replace the word node on the command line during the execution of the script. You do not need to swap node to run code; just swap Nodemon, and the process will automatically restart during the code changes. There are multiple features on offer that include automatic restart of the application, detection default fie extension to monitor, ignoring specific file or directories, scriptable through node requirement statements, open-source, work with a server application, and more.
Nodemon Alternatives
#1 LiveReload
LiveReload is an all-in-one file monitoring tool that allows you to identify the changes that take place in the file system while saving the files. There is no reloading whatsoever; when you change a CSS file or an image, the browser will be updated instantly. The LiveReload server will update the client whenever the change is made. There are many servers available, but if you are a developer and want to use LiveReload, you will prefer the LiveReload server.
The interface of the software is nice and simple, and you can monitor the file extension as many you want. There is a complete list of the monitoring folders, and once the file is saved, it can be preprocessed as needed. This tool is particularly designed for developers and designers, and to use it, you must a client script in your browser and make sure that the server is up and running on the development machine. With the help of web sockets, the client connects to a LiveReload server and check for incoming change notifications.
#2 Prepros
Prepros is a reliable tool that allows you to compile files, Trans piles JavaScript, reloads browsers. The software also helps you to develop and test your websites so you can keep focusing on making things perfect and optimized. Prepros allows you to compile files like Less, stylus, slim, Typescript, coffee-script, and there is also a possibility to add your own tools with few clicks.
Prepros provides you the information in an exact fashion where you have a problem. Take reliable leverage of the build a server that will help you to serve pages right from your project folder. You can also proxy them via an external server like MAMP, Shopify, WordPress, or else. Other features are network preview, automatic browser reload, minify JavaScript and minify CSS, optimized images, synchronized testing, remote inspection, export & upload, and more to add.
#3 CodeKit
CodeKit is mac application for developers that make it easy to overcome modern development needs. The software provides you all modern development tools like image optimization, babel, SaaS, NPM, JavaScript, bundling, ESLint, and more. CodeKit comes with the automated way to compile all famous awesome languages, and there is a possibility to add any language via adding the process files of any type right in the UI.
The software comes with the simple configuration to compress script from the box that means you do not have to build scripts anymore. There are no plugins, tag scripts, configuration files, are required; just make a preview, and you are done with it, and more likely, you do not need any TLS certificate. There are multiple features to look forward to that are browser-sync, injection reloads, zero setups, any device compatibility, cache busting, source maps, optimize images, NPM built-in, code-it frameworks, easy migration, extensibility, debugging, enforcing coding styles, and counting.
#4 BrowserSync
BrowserSync is a trusted synchronized browser testing utility that is open source, reliable, and robust. This tool is completely functional and is maintained by a team of developers and designers over the years. The software provides you complete control courtesy of the integration support with your web platform, built-in tools, and other node.js projects. BrowserSync brings something extra for you with its live reloads, URL publishing, click monitoring, replication, and more importantly, it cuts all the repetitive manual tasks.
BrowserSync comes with the extreme customization of an array of sync settings right from the UI or the interface based on the command line, which will aid you to create a personalized test environment for sure. There are multiple features to look forward to that include install and run anywhere, build tool compatible, network throttle, interaction sync, file sync, UI, CLI control, sync customization, URL history, and more to add. Furthermore, being an open-source utility, BrowserSync is aimed to provide the consistently modern and multi-device development nimbler and easier.
#5 Ghostlab
Ghostlab is an all-in-one testing software that allows you to test any website running on different browsers and mobile devices with an easy-to-use procedure. You have the leverage to open locally installed browsers within Ghostlab, or you can open it using a QR code to connect a mobile device. Just drag the URL and click the play button to start it. Ghostlab is consistently tracking your changes to local files and refreshes them, on all connected clients.
The tool is making its mark with synchronized browsing that will let you connect any number of devices and browsers you want, and Ghostlab performs complete sync to keep them accessible. There is also expediency of remote and synced inspection that will, in return, identify any CSS problem for any connected client. There are multiple features to offer that include screenshots, inspect CSS, debug JavaScript, auto-refresh, compile SaaS, automatic form filling, one-click workspaces, presentation mode, A/B testing, and more to add.
#6 Live.js
Live.js is a reliable script that is used for designing and testing purposes in the browser. This utility makes sure that you always have the latest page while you are working, whether writing JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Live.js automatically monitors the current page, including local CSS and Javascript, with the help of sending multiple head requests directly to the server.
All the CSS changes are applied quickly, and the changes take place in HTML or JavaScript, the page will be reloaded. Live.js works with multiple browsers like Firefox, Safari, chrome, opera, and IE6+. Regardless of the language or development framework you use, Live.js is completely independent of that. One thing is to be mentioned that if you use Live.js as a bookmarklet, it will only detect or monitor changes to CSS.