fsnotify is a cross-platform filesystem notification library that provides a programming interface for tracking file and directory changes within Go applications. It utilizes native kernel notification interfaces to detect events such as file creation, deletion, and attribute updates, allowing developers to integrate real-time monitoring into their software.
The library distinguishes itself by providing a unified abstraction layer that normalizes disparate kernel APIs into a consistent event stream. It manages high-volume activity through non-blocking event polling and internal memory buffering, which prevents data loss during periods of intense disk operations. Additionally, the library supports recursive directory traversal, enabling the monitoring of entire folder hierarchies by programmatically registering watches for nested structures.
Beyond basic monitoring, the package facilitates the management of watcher lifecycles, allowing for the granular control of active paths to maintain system resource limits. It is designed to support the development of automated build systems, real-time file synchronization tools, and other utilities that require responsive system resource event handling.
