How to Watch and Reload ts-node When TypeScript Files Change?

Restart ts-node automatically when your .ts files change using nodemon or ts-node-dev. Enhance your TypeScript workflow in real time.

Published On 09 Jul, 2025

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Use ts-node-dev or nodemon with ts-node to auto-reload your app on TypeScript file changes. It’s faster and no more manual restarts.

Problem

When using ts-node in dev, any .ts file changes require manual restart of the process. That slows down development and breaks the flow.

Solution

To auto-reload your Node.js server when .ts files change, pair ts-node with a watcher like nodemon or ts-node-dev.

Option 1- ts-node-dev

bash

npm install -D ts-node-dev

Add script in package.json:

json

"scripts": {"dev": "ts-node-dev --respawn --transpile-only src/index.ts" }

Run:

bash

npm run dev

Also Read: Node JS Best Practices to Adhere for Enhanced Performance & Security

Option 2- nodemon with ts-node

Install nodemon:

bash

npm install -D nodemon ts-node

Add script:

json

"scripts": {"dev": "nodemon --watch src -e ts --exec ts-node src/index.ts" }

Conclusion

For fast dev, use ts-node-dev or nodemon with ts-node to auto-reload your app on file changes.

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