Requirements
Check these before you install Watcher.
Node.js
Watcher requires Node.js ^22.13.0 || >=24.0.0.
| Node.js version | Status |
|---|---|
| 22.13.0 and later 22.x | Accepted. |
| 23.x | Refused. Watcher exits with a message naming the required range. |
| 24.0.0 and later | Accepted. |
| Earlier than 22.13.0 | Refused. |
Node.js 22.13.0 and 24.21.0 are verified on Windows 11 x64. Other accepted versions are unverified for the Alpha.
These versions provide Node's built-in SQLite module, which Watcher uses for local run history. You do not need a separate database or SQLite driver. Node 22.13 may print an experimental SQLite warning; no flag is required.
Check your version:
node --version
Package manager
Watcher is tested with npm. pnpm, Yarn and monorepo workspaces are untested in the Alpha.
Playwright
Your project needs a project-local installation of @playwright/test.
| Playwright version | What you get |
|---|---|
| 1.63.0 and later | Enhanced integration: structured live progress, active tests and per-test history. 1.63.0 is verified. |
| 1.62.0 and earlier | Basic integration: planned test count, live logs, duration, status and Stop Run. 1.62.0 is verified. |
| Not installed | Package scripts still run in Generic mode. Playwright-aware runs and Playwright Tools are disabled. |
Versions other than 1.62.0 and 1.63.0 are not blocked, but they are unverified for the Alpha. See Playwright integration for what each level provides.
Operating system
| Platform | Alpha status |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 x64 | Primary platform |
| Linux x64 | Experimental / community-tested |
| macOS | Unverified / unsupported |
| ARM64 | Unverified / unsupported |
Keep your project on a local disk. Network shares and cloud-synced folders are untested. On WSL, keep the project on the Linux filesystem rather than under /mnt/c.
See Platform support for feature-by-platform details.
Project layout
Run Watcher from the directory that contains your project's package.json. Watcher refuses to start in a folder without one.