Run fswatch from ChatGPT or Claude
Monitor a directory for changes and run a shell command. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run fswatch on your own computer and read what it prints.
Works on
- MacWorks
Homebrew has a ready-made build; the AI can install it with
brew install fswatch. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If fswatch has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About fswatch
- Version
- 1.22.0
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later AND Apache-2.0
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 32,612 · #409 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- emcrisostomo.github.io/fswatch
- Install
brew install fswatch
Try asking
“Install fswatch with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read fswatch --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update fswatch and tell me what changed”
Questions
Can ChatGPT run fswatch on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs fswatch there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install fswatch first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install fswatch for you.
Is it safe?
A new computer starts read-only: running commands is turned on per computer, and BCD reaches only the folders you allow.
Try it on your computer
BCD connects ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps to your own Mac, Windows or Linux computer. One computer is free, with 20,000 tool calls a month and no card.
Program data from Homebrew, updated 2026-11-11. Installs are Homebrew's installs on request over the last 365 days.