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Watch mode monitors your .http and .hitspec files for changes and automatically re-runs tests when a file is saved. This creates a fast feedback loop during API development.

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Usage

hitspec run tests/ --watch
Short form: 
hitspec run tests/ -w

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How It Works

  1. hitspec runs all matching tests once
  2. It then watches the directories containing your test files
  3. When a .http or .hitspec file is modified, tests re-run automatically
  4. Press Ctrl+C to stop watching

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Combining with Filters

Combine watch mode with filters for focused development: 
# Watch only smoke tests
hitspec run tests/ --watch --tags smoke

# Watch and filter by name
hitspec run tests/ --watch --name "createUser"

# Watch with a specific environment
hitspec run tests/ --watch --env dev

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Debouncing

hitspec debounces file change events with a 300ms delay. Rapid consecutive saves (e.g., from auto-formatting) only trigger a single test re-run.

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Output in Watch Mode

Each re-run creates fresh output. For structured formats (JSON, JUnit), the formatter is re-initialized on each change so you always get complete, valid output. 
# Watch with JSON output
hitspec run tests/ --watch --output json
Watch mode currently watches directories containing your test files. Changes to environment files (hitspec.yaml, .env) do not trigger re-runs — restart the command to pick up config changes.