fs.watch blocks folder (windows 8)

[ArtemGovorov]

On windows 8 running following code

require('fs').watch('C:/Test');
require('fs').watch('C:/Test/Sub/SubSub');

and trying to rename C:/Test/Sub causes error:

Folder In Use The action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program

[bnoordhuis]

That's a limitation of the Windows file watcher API. Use fs.watchFile() if you don't want that.

[piscisaureus]

I wish we would be able to work around this, but unfortunately we can't.

[ArtemGovorov]

System.IO.FileSystemWatcher in .NET uses the same API (ReadDirectoryChangesW) and it works for given scenario. Could you elaborate please why is that impossible?

[piscisaureus]

ReadDirectoryChangesW (apparently) locks the parent folder of the folder being watched.

You can even replicate this with windows explorer.

• Create folder c:\a\b
• Open that folder in windows explorer
• Try to rename c:\a

System.IO.FileSystemWatcher in .NET uses the same API (ReadDirectoryChangesW) and it works for given scenario.

I don't believe you. Convince me by sharing your test case :-)

[ArtemGovorov]

Windows explorer actually works fine on Windows 7-8, opened sub-folder explorer just updates the path. Though I can replicate what you're talking about on XP.

Regarding FileSystemWatcher, you're right, I tried to set up some basic test and realised that it does also block parent folder of the folder being watched. Thanks for your time!