Nodemon has gained widespread recognition as a utility for Node.js, contributing to the streamlining of the development process and enhancing efficiency. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors.

Auto-restart: Nodemon facilitates automatic restarts of the Node.js application whenever there is a modification in the code, thereby saving developers valuable time and effort.
Workflow Improvement: A notable feature of Nodemon is its ability to eliminate the necessity for manual restarts. This allows developers to concentrate on coding and testing without the interruption of restarting the application manually.
Debugging Support: Nodemon proves invaluable in the swift identification and resolution of issues. By restarting the application immediately after a change is made, it aids developers in quickly addressing and fixing problems.
Enhanced Efficiency: Nodemon significantly reduces the time required for the development and testing phases of a Node.js application, contributing to increased overall efficiency.

Similar to Nodemon, there exist advanced tools such as Supervisor and PM2, which also automate the process of restarting Node.js applications in the event of errors. However, Node.js 18.11.0 and subsequent versions offer a viable alternative to Nodemon with the introduction of the new --watch feature. This feature allows for the automatic monitoring of changes, presenting a contemporary and efficient option for developers.

It's worth noting that for projects utilizing TypeScript, the utilization of Nodemon is recommended, given its compatibility and seamless integration. TypeScript, with its statically-typed nature, aligns seamlessly with Nodemon, contributing to a cohesive development environment.

Using watch mode in Node.js 18.xx

Activating the watch mode in Node.js involves employing the --watch flag, designed to monitor both the entry point and all imported modules for any alterations.

To initiate this, execute the following command:

node --watch server.js

For those seeking more precise control, the --watch-path flag proves useful. It allows the specification of a designated directory, triggering a restart when changes occur. Consider the following command:

node --watch-path=./src --watch-path=./tests app.js

This command effectively monitors file changes within the specified src and tests directories, offering a nuanced approach to triggering restarts based on specific codebase segments. Either use in package.json.

"name": "example",
"version": "1.0.0",
"description": "",
"type": "module",
"main": "index.js",
"scripts": {
  "start": "node index.js",
  "dev": "node --watch index.js"
},
"keywords": [],
"author": "",
"license": "ISC"

In your journey towards enhanced efficiency and a cohesive development environment, the Node.js 18.xx watch mode stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of tools at your disposal. Whether you choose to stick with the reliable Nodemon or explore the innovative watch mode, the key lies in adapting your toolkit to the unique demands of your project. Happy coding!

Leveraging Node.js 18.xx Watch Mode: Alternative to Nodemon

Using watch mode in Node.js 18.xx