#1606·direnv

Ability to `watch_file` despite subsequent error

Author: injustCreated Jul 28, 2026Updated Jul 28, 2026
LabelsFeature

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

I use this in my Python environment:

bash
watch_file pyproject.toml
uv sync
source_env .venv/bin/activate

However, sometimes I've messed up my pyproject.toml, and uv sync fails. When that happens, watch_file becomes a no-op. After I fix my pyproject.toml, I need to open a new terminal tab to get direnv to pick up the fixed file.

Describe the solution you'd like

I would like the ability for watch_file to do what it says, even if direnv fails. That way, I can fix the error and avoid needing to open a new terminal tab.

Describe alternatives you've considered

Additional context

Right now, it makes no difference where I place watch_file wrt the other lines. This could be changed so that:

  • Placing watch_file before a command would watch the file, even if the command fails
  • Placing it after the failed command would not watch the file