Watch Mode

Watch mode re-runs a hunt automatically when files change. It's useful during hunt authoring for rapid feedback.

Usage

prowlqa watch <hunt-name>

How It Works

1. Prowl QA runs the hunt immediately on startup
2. It watches the hunt YAML file, the resolved config.yml, and .env in that same config directory (default: .prowlqa/config.yml and .prowlqa/.env)
3. On any file save, the hunt re-runs automatically
4. Rapid saves are debounced (300ms) to avoid unnecessary runs
5. Press Ctrl+C to stop

Watched Files

• .prowlqa/hunts/<hunt-name>.yml — the hunt file itself
• .prowlqa/config.yml — configuration changes
• .prowlqa/.env — environment variable changes

Flags

Watch mode supports this subset of prowlqa run flags:

prowlqa watch <hunt-name> --headed        # Show browser window
prowlqa watch <hunt-name> --slow-mo 500   # Slow down actions (ms)
prowlqa watch <hunt-name> --trace         # Capture Playwright trace
prowlqa watch <hunt-name> --url <override>  # Override target URL
prowlqa watch <hunt-name> --config <path>   # Custom config path

When --config <path> is used, watch mode tracks that resolved config.yml and the .env file next to it.

Tips

• Combine with --headed to watch the browser in real time: save the hunt file and see the browser replay instantly
• Use watch mode to iteratively build and debug selectors
• Watch mode respects all config options (guardrails, assertions, artifacts)