chore(master): release 1.6.0

.github/workflows/manual-homebrew-release.yml

@@ -3,40 +3,10 @@ name: Manual Homebrew Release
 on:
   workflow_dispatch:
 
-permissions:
-  contents: read
-
 jobs:
-  release-homebrew:
-    name: Trigger Homebrew Formula Update
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-
-    steps:
-      - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Get latest tag
-        id: latest
-        run: |
-          tag=$(gh release view --json tagName -q .tagName)
-          echo "Latest release tag: $tag"
-          echo "tag=$tag" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-        env:
-          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-
-      - name: Send dispatch to homebrew-tap
-        env:
-          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.REPO_DISPATCH_PAT }}
-        run: |
-          tag="${{ steps.latest.outputs.tag }}"
-          repo="${{ github.event.repository.name }}"
-          data="{\"event_type\":\"trigger-from-release\",\"client_payload\":{\"tag\":\"$tag\",\"repo\":\"$repo\"}}"
-          echo "Dispatching tag $tag from $repo"
-          echo "Data: $data"
-          curl -X POST \
-            -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
-            -H "Authorization: Bearer $GH_TOKEN" \
-            https://api.github.com/repos/chenasraf/homebrew-tap/dispatches \
-            -d "$data"
-          echo "Dispatched tag $tag from $repo"
-          echo "Created job on https://github.com/chenasraf/homebrew-tap/actions"
+  homebrew:
+    uses: chenasraf/workflows/.github/workflows/manual-homebrew-release.yml@master
+    with:
+      homebrew-tap-repo: chenasraf/homebrew-tap
+    secrets:
+      REPO_DISPATCH_PAT: ${{ secrets.REPO_DISPATCH_PAT }}

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -11,114 +11,10 @@ permissions:
   pull-requests: write
 
 jobs:
-  test:
-    name: Test
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
-      - name: Set up Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@v4
-        with:
-          go-version: '1.23'
-      - name: Test
-        run: go test -v ./...
-
-  generate:
-    name: Build for ${{ matrix.platform }}
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    strategy:
-      matrix:
-        include:
-          - platform: linux/amd64
-            label: linux-amd64
-          - platform: darwin/amd64
-            label: darwin-amd64
-          - platform: darwin/arm64
-            label: darwin-arm64
-          - platform: windows/amd64
-            label: windows-amd64
-    steps:
-      - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Build for ${{ matrix.label }}
-        uses: chenasraf/go-cross-build@v1
-        with:
-          platforms: ${{ matrix.platform }}
-          package: ''
-          name: 'watchr'
-          compress: 'true'
-          dest: dist
-
-      - name: Upload build
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
-        with:
-          name: "dist-${{ matrix.label }}"
-          path: dist
-
-  release-please:
-    name: Release
-    if: github.ref == 'refs/heads/master'
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    outputs:
-      release_created: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
-      tag_name: ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}
-    needs:
-      - test
-      - generate
-    steps:
-      - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Download all builds
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
-        with:
-          path: dist
-
-      - name: Verify Release Artifacts
-        run: |
-          ls -la dist
-          for i in "linux-amd64" "darwin-amd64" "windows-amd64" "darwin-arm64"; do
-            if [[ ! -f ./dist/dist-$i/watchr-$i.tar.gz ]]; then
-              echo "File not found: ./dist/dist-$i/watchr-$i.tar.gz"
-              exit 1
-            fi
-          done
-
-      - name: Run Release Please
-        uses: googleapis/release-please-action@v4
-        id: release
-        with:
-          release-type: simple
-
-      - name: Upload Release Artifacts
-        if: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
-        env:
-          GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-        run: |
-          for i in "linux-amd64" "darwin-amd64" "darwin-arm64" "windows-amd64"; do
-            gh release upload "${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}" "./dist/dist-$i/watchr-$i.tar.gz"
-          done
-
-  release-homebrew:
-    name: Homebrew Release
-    needs: [release-please]
-    if: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.release_created }}
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - name: Send dispatch to homebrew-tap
-        env:
-          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.REPO_DISPATCH_PAT }}
-        run: |
-          repo="${{ github.event.repository.name }}"
-          tag="${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}"
-          data="{\"event_type\":\"trigger-from-release\",\"client_payload\":{\"tag\":\"$tag\",\"repo\":\"$repo\"}}"
-          echo "Dispatching tag $tag from $repo"
-          echo "Data: $data"
-          curl -X POST \
-            -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
-            -H "Authorization: Bearer $GH_TOKEN" \
-            https://api.github.com/repos/chenasraf/homebrew-tap/dispatches \
-            -d "$data"
-          echo "Dispatched tag $tag from $repo"
-          echo "Created job on https://github.com/chenasraf/homebrew-tap/actions"
+  release:
+    uses: chenasraf/workflows/.github/workflows/go-release.yml@master
+    with:
+      name: watchr
+      homebrew-tap-repo: chenasraf/homebrew-tap
+    secrets:
+      REPO_DISPATCH_PAT: ${{ secrets.REPO_DISPATCH_PAT }}

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,5 +1,41 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## [1.6.0](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/compare/v1.5.2...v1.6.0) (2026-01-24)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* add refresh countdown timer ([63b4530](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/63b45309b76def1b5be9c11d5228d97bb7ab0a6d))
+* add refresh-from-start setting ([f520a8b](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/f520a8b4ed665c3187bab88707df9e5efdc779bc))
+* reset refresh timer after manual refresh ([10a9208](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/10a92082b6c11fcfba2bd835ed2336d1f33d1c04))
+* stream new output in-place without resetting existing output ([8aaf514](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/8aaf5148ab17b33a72ff3f946c57029c33bdb4d0))
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* streaming cursor position ([347ac34](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/347ac340942c3ee8d2731432f808ac2b9dd39060))
+
+## [1.5.2](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/compare/v1.5.1...v1.5.2) (2026-01-24)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* tab characters breaking the layout ([c09d3e4](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/c09d3e41ddd69c44ea0546cb0608abe8b0c50334))
+
+## [1.5.1](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/compare/v1.5.0...v1.5.1) (2025-12-31)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* esc button behavior ([5703a61](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/5703a61ddb3ee25e58470c537d53bf4a463bc632))
+
+## [1.5.0](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/compare/v1.4.0...v1.5.0) (2025-12-14)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* add more refresh duration options & formats ([f15b9e2](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/commit/f15b9e255988b5b754c377e3ae29f9eb4c8a1925))
+
 ## [1.4.0](https://github.com/chenasraf/watchr/compare/v1.3.0...v1.4.0) (2025-12-08)
 
 

Makefile

@@ -48,7 +48,6 @@ precommit:
 		echo "Running pre-commit checks..."; \
 		echo "go fmt"; \
 		go fmt ./...; \
-		git add $$STAGED_FILES; \
 		echo "go vet"; \
 		go vet ./...; \
 		echo "golangci-lint"; \

README.md

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ provides vim-style navigation, filtering, and a preview pane—all without leavi
 ![Downloads](https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/chenasraf/watchr/total)
 ![License](https://img.shields.io/github/license/chenasraf/watchr)
 
+![Promo](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/ec5ab94b-ef91-40d8-a604-9047212a8faf)
+
 ---
 
 ## 🚀 Features
@@ -76,6 +78,18 @@ watchr "ps aux"
 # Refresh every 2 seconds
 watchr -r 2 "docker ps"
 
+# Refresh every 500 milliseconds
+watchr -r 500ms "date"
+
+# Refresh every 1.5 seconds
+watchr -r 1.5s "kubectl get pods"
+
+# Refresh every 5 minutes
+watchr -r 5m "df -h"
+
+# Refresh every hour
+watchr -r 1h "curl -s https://api.example.com/status"
+
 # Watch file changes
 watchr -r 5 "find . -name '*.go' -mmin -1"
 ```
@@ -90,13 +104,14 @@ Options:
   -v, --version                    Show version
   -c, --config string              Load config from specified path
   -C, --show-config                Show loaded configuration and exit
-  -r, --refresh int                Auto-refresh interval in seconds (0 = disabled)
+  -r, --refresh string             Auto-refresh interval (e.g., 1, 1.5, 500ms, 2s, 5m, 1h; default unit: seconds, 0 = disabled)
   -p, --prompt string              Prompt string (default "watchr> ")
   -s, --shell string               Shell to use for executing commands (default "sh")
   -n, --no-line-numbers            Disable line numbers
   -w, --line-width int             Line number width (default 6)
   -P, --preview-size string        Preview size: number for lines/cols, or number% for percentage (default "40%")
   -o, --preview-position string    Preview position: bottom, top, left, right (default "bottom")
+  -i, --interactive                Run shell in interactive mode (sources ~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, etc.)
 ```
 
 ---
@@ -123,7 +138,8 @@ preview-position: right
 line-numbers: true
 line-width: 4
 prompt: "> "
-refresh: 0
+refresh: 0           # disabled; or use: 2, 1.5, "500ms", "2s", "5m", "1h"
+interactive: false
 ```
 
 **TOML** (`watchr.toml`):
@@ -134,7 +150,8 @@ preview-position = "right"
 line-numbers = true
 line-width = 4
 prompt = "> "
-refresh = 0
+refresh = 0          # disabled; or use: 2, 1.5, "500ms", "2s", "5m", "1h"
+interactive = false
 ```
 
 **JSON** (`watchr.json`):
@@ -146,10 +163,15 @@ refresh = 0
   "line-numbers": true,
   "line-width": 4,
   "prompt": "> ",
-  "refresh": 0
+  "refresh": 0,
+  "interactive": false
 }
 ```
 
+The `refresh` option accepts:
+- Numbers: `2` or `1.5` (interpreted as seconds)
+- Explicit units: `"500ms"`, `"2s"`, `"5m"`, `"1h"`
+
 ### Priority Order
 
 Configuration values are applied in this order (later sources override earlier ones):

internal/config/config.go

@@ -4,7 +4,10 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
+	"regexp"
 	"runtime"
+	"strconv"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/pflag"
 	"github.com/spf13/viper"
@@ -12,14 +15,15 @@ import (
 
 // Config keys
 const (
-	KeyShell           = "shell"
-	KeyPreviewSize     = "preview-size"
-	KeyPreviewPosition = "preview-position"
-	KeyLineNumbers     = "line-numbers"
-	KeyLineWidth       = "line-width"
-	KeyPrompt          = "prompt"
-	KeyRefresh         = "refresh"
-	KeyInteractive     = "interactive"
+	KeyShell            = "shell"
+	KeyPreviewSize      = "preview-size"
+	KeyPreviewPosition  = "preview-position"
+	KeyLineNumbers      = "line-numbers"
+	KeyLineWidth        = "line-width"
+	KeyPrompt           = "prompt"
+	KeyRefresh          = "refresh"
+	KeyRefreshFromStart = "refresh-from-start"
+	KeyInteractive      = "interactive"
 )
 
 // setDefaults sets the default configuration values.
@@ -30,7 +34,8 @@ func setDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault(KeyLineNumbers, true)
 	viper.SetDefault(KeyLineWidth, 6)
 	viper.SetDefault(KeyPrompt, "watchr> ")
-	viper.SetDefault(KeyRefresh, 0)
+	viper.SetDefault(KeyRefresh, "0")
+	viper.SetDefault(KeyRefreshFromStart, false)
 	viper.SetDefault(KeyInteractive, false)
 }
 
@@ -76,6 +81,7 @@ func BindFlags(flags *pflag.FlagSet) {
 	_ = viper.BindPFlag(KeyLineWidth, flags.Lookup("line-width"))
 	_ = viper.BindPFlag(KeyPrompt, flags.Lookup("prompt"))
 	_ = viper.BindPFlag(KeyRefresh, flags.Lookup("refresh"))
+	_ = viper.BindPFlag(KeyRefreshFromStart, flags.Lookup("refresh-from-start"))
 	_ = viper.BindPFlag(KeyInteractive, flags.Lookup("interactive"))
 
 	// line-numbers is inverted (no-line-numbers flag)
@@ -129,7 +135,8 @@ func PrintConfig() {
 	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %v\n", KeyLineNumbers+":", GetBool(KeyLineNumbers))
 	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %d\n", KeyLineWidth+":", GetInt(KeyLineWidth))
 	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %q\n", KeyPrompt+":", GetString(KeyPrompt))
-	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %d\n", KeyRefresh+":", GetInt(KeyRefresh))
+	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %s\n", KeyRefresh+":", GetString(KeyRefresh))
+	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %v\n", KeyRefreshFromStart+":", GetBool(KeyRefreshFromStart))
 	fmt.Printf("  %-20s %v\n", KeyInteractive+":", GetBool(KeyInteractive))
 }
 
@@ -149,3 +156,57 @@ func getConfigDir() string {
 		return ""
 	}
 }
+
+// durationRegex matches duration strings like "1", "1.5", "500ms", "1s", "1.5s", "5m", "1h"
+var durationRegex = regexp.MustCompile(`^(\d+(?:\.\d+)?)(ms|s|m|h)?$`)
+
+// ParseDuration parses a duration string into a time.Duration.
+// Supported formats:
+//   - "1", "1.5" - interpreted as seconds (default unit)
+//   - "1s", "1.5s" - explicit seconds
+//   - "500ms", "1500ms" - explicit milliseconds
+//   - "5m", "1.5m" - explicit minutes
+//   - "1h", "0.5h" - explicit hours
+//
+// Returns 0 if the input is empty or "0".
+func ParseDuration(s string) (time.Duration, error) {
+	if s == "" || s == "0" {
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+
+	matches := durationRegex.FindStringSubmatch(s)
+	if matches == nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid duration format: %q (expected number, Xms, Xs, Xm, or Xh)", s)
+	}
+
+	value, err := strconv.ParseFloat(matches[1], 64)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid duration value: %q", matches[1])
+	}
+
+	unit := matches[2]
+	switch unit {
+	case "ms":
+		return time.Duration(value * float64(time.Millisecond)), nil
+	case "s", "":
+		// Default to seconds
+		return time.Duration(value * float64(time.Second)), nil
+	case "m":
+		return time.Duration(value * float64(time.Minute)), nil
+	case "h":
+		return time.Duration(value * float64(time.Hour)), nil
+	default:
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid duration unit: %q", unit)
+	}
+}
+
+// GetDuration returns a duration config value by parsing the string value.
+// Returns 0 if parsing fails or value is empty.
+func GetDuration(key string) time.Duration {
+	s := viper.GetString(key)
+	d, err := ParseDuration(s)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0
+	}
+	return d
+}

internal/config/config_test.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"testing"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/pflag"
 	"github.com/spf13/viper"
@@ -70,8 +71,8 @@ func TestInit(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected default prompt 'watchr> ', got %q", got)
 	}
 
-	if got := viper.GetInt(KeyRefresh); got != 0 {
-		t.Errorf("expected default refresh 0, got %d", got)
+	if got := viper.GetString(KeyRefresh); got != "0" {
+		t.Errorf("expected default refresh '0', got %q", got)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -131,7 +132,7 @@ func TestBindFlags(t *testing.T) {
 	flags.String("preview-position", "bottom", "")
 	flags.Int("line-width", 6, "")
 	flags.String("prompt", "watchr> ", "")
-	flags.Int("refresh", 0, "")
+	flags.String("refresh", "0", "")
 	flags.Bool("no-line-numbers", false, "")
 
 	// Parse with custom values
@@ -204,8 +205,8 @@ refresh: 5
 		t.Errorf("expected prompt 'test> ' from config file, got %q", got)
 	}
 
-	if got := GetInt(KeyRefresh); got != 5 {
-		t.Errorf("expected refresh 5 from config file, got %d", got)
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 5*time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 5s from config file, got %v", got)
 	}
 
 	// ConfigFileUsed should return the path
@@ -237,7 +238,7 @@ preview-size: "60%"
 	flags.String("preview-position", "bottom", "")
 	flags.Int("line-width", 6, "")
 	flags.String("prompt", "watchr> ", "")
-	flags.Int("refresh", 0, "")
+	flags.String("refresh", "0", "")
 	flags.Bool("no-line-numbers", false, "")
 
 	// Override shell via flag
@@ -322,8 +323,8 @@ refresh: 10
 		t.Errorf("expected prompt 'custom> ', got %q", got)
 	}
 
-	if got := GetInt(KeyRefresh); got != 10 {
-		t.Errorf("expected refresh 10, got %d", got)
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 10*time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 10s, got %v", got)
 	}
 
 	// ConfigFileUsed should return the specified path
@@ -434,3 +435,178 @@ func TestInitWithFileDefaults(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected default line-width 6, got %d", got)
 	}
 }
+
+func TestParseDuration(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		input    string
+		expected time.Duration
+		wantErr  bool
+	}{
+		// Empty and zero values
+		{"", 0, false},
+		{"0", 0, false},
+
+		// Plain numbers (default to seconds)
+		{"1", 1 * time.Second, false},
+		{"5", 5 * time.Second, false},
+		{"60", 60 * time.Second, false},
+
+		// Decimal seconds
+		{"0.5", 500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"1.5", 1500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"2.25", 2250 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"0.1", 100 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"0.001", 1 * time.Millisecond, false},
+
+		// Explicit seconds suffix
+		{"1s", 1 * time.Second, false},
+		{"5s", 5 * time.Second, false},
+		{"0.5s", 500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"1.5s", 1500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+
+		// Milliseconds suffix
+		{"100ms", 100 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"500ms", 500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"1000ms", 1000 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"1500ms", 1500 * time.Millisecond, false},
+		{"50.5ms", 50500 * time.Microsecond, false},
+
+		// Minutes suffix
+		{"1m", 1 * time.Minute, false},
+		{"5m", 5 * time.Minute, false},
+		{"0.5m", 30 * time.Second, false},
+		{"1.5m", 90 * time.Second, false},
+
+		// Hours suffix
+		{"1h", 1 * time.Hour, false},
+		{"2h", 2 * time.Hour, false},
+		{"0.5h", 30 * time.Minute, false},
+		{"1.5h", 90 * time.Minute, false},
+
+		// Invalid formats
+		{"abc", 0, true},
+		{"1d", 0, true},  // days not supported
+		{"1w", 0, true},  // weeks not supported
+		{"-1", 0, true},  // negative not supported
+		{"-1s", 0, true}, // negative not supported
+		{"1.2.3", 0, true},
+		{"s", 0, true},
+		{"ms", 0, true},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.input, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got, err := ParseDuration(tt.input)
+			if tt.wantErr {
+				if err == nil {
+					t.Errorf("ParseDuration(%q) expected error, got nil", tt.input)
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Errorf("ParseDuration(%q) unexpected error: %v", tt.input, err)
+				return
+			}
+			if got != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("ParseDuration(%q) = %v, want %v", tt.input, got, tt.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestGetDuration(t *testing.T) {
+	_, cleanup := isolateConfig(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	Init()
+
+	// Test default value
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("expected default refresh 0, got %v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Test with seconds value
+	viper.Set(KeyRefresh, "5")
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 5*time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 5s, got %v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Test with decimal value
+	viper.Set(KeyRefresh, "0.5")
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 500*time.Millisecond {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 500ms, got %v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Test with explicit seconds suffix
+	viper.Set(KeyRefresh, "2s")
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 2*time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 2s, got %v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Test with milliseconds
+	viper.Set(KeyRefresh, "250ms")
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 250*time.Millisecond {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 250ms, got %v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Test with invalid value (should return 0)
+	viper.Set(KeyRefresh, "invalid")
+	if got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh); got != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh 0 for invalid value, got %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRefreshDurationFromConfigFile(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir, cleanup := isolateConfig(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		yaml     string
+		expected time.Duration
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "integer seconds",
+			yaml:     "refresh: 5\n",
+			expected: 5 * time.Second,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "decimal seconds",
+			yaml:     "refresh: 0.5\n",
+			expected: 500 * time.Millisecond,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "string with s suffix",
+			yaml:     "refresh: \"2s\"\n",
+			expected: 2 * time.Second,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "string with ms suffix",
+			yaml:     "refresh: \"500ms\"\n",
+			expected: 500 * time.Millisecond,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "string decimal with s suffix",
+			yaml:     "refresh: \"1.5s\"\n",
+			expected: 1500 * time.Millisecond,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			resetViper()
+
+			configPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "watchr.yaml")
+			if err := os.WriteFile(configPath, []byte(tt.yaml), 0644); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("failed to write config file: %v", err)
+			}
+
+			Init()
+
+			got := GetDuration(KeyRefresh)
+			if got != tt.expected {
+				t.Errorf("GetDuration(KeyRefresh) = %v, want %v", got, tt.expected)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

internal/runner/runner.go

@@ -12,6 +12,15 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 )
 
+// sanitizeLine removes control sequences that can corrupt terminal rendering
+func sanitizeLine(s string) string {
+	// Remove carriage returns
+	s = strings.ReplaceAll(s, "\r", "")
+	// Convert tabs to spaces (tabs cause width calculation issues)
+	s = strings.ReplaceAll(s, "\t", "        ")
+	return s
+}
+
 // Line represents a single line of output with its line number
 type Line struct {
 	Number  int
@@ -141,7 +150,7 @@ func (r *Runner) Run(ctx context.Context) (Result, error) {
 	for scanner.Scan() {
 		lines = append(lines, Line{
 			Number:  lineNum,
-			Content: scanner.Text(),
+			Content: sanitizeLine(scanner.Text()),
 		})
 		lineNum++
 	}
@@ -151,7 +160,7 @@ func (r *Runner) Run(ctx context.Context) (Result, error) {
 	for stderrScanner.Scan() {
 		lines = append(lines, Line{
 			Number:  lineNum,
-			Content: stderrScanner.Text(),
+			Content: sanitizeLine(stderrScanner.Text()),
 		})
 		lineNum++
 	}
@@ -169,11 +178,13 @@ func (r *Runner) Run(ctx context.Context) (Result, error) {
 
 // StreamingResult holds the state of a streaming command
 type StreamingResult struct {
-	Lines    *[]Line
-	ExitCode int
-	Done     bool
-	Error    error
-	mu       sync.RWMutex
+	Lines            *[]Line
+	ExitCode         int
+	Done             bool
+	Error            error
+	PrevLineCount    int // Number of lines from previous run (for trimming)
+	CurrentLineCount int // Number of lines written by current run
+	mu               sync.RWMutex
 }
 
 // GetLines returns a copy of the current lines (thread-safe)
@@ -205,14 +216,27 @@ func (s *StreamingResult) IsDone() bool {
 	return s.Done
 }
 
+// GetCurrentLineCount returns the number of lines written by the current run (thread-safe)
+func (s *StreamingResult) GetCurrentLineCount() int {
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	defer s.mu.RUnlock()
+	return s.CurrentLineCount
+}
+
 // RunStreaming executes the command and streams output lines in the background.
 // Returns a StreamingResult that can be polled for updates.
 // The command runs until ctx is cancelled or it completes naturally.
-func (r *Runner) RunStreaming(ctx context.Context) *StreamingResult {
+// If prevLines is provided, lines are updated in place rather than starting fresh.
+func (r *Runner) RunStreaming(ctx context.Context, prevLines []Line) *StreamingResult {
+	// Copy previous lines to allow in-place updates
+	lines := make([]Line, len(prevLines))
+	copy(lines, prevLines)
+
 	result := &StreamingResult{
-		Lines:    &[]Line{},
-		ExitCode: -1,
-		Done:     false,
+		Lines:         &lines,
+		ExitCode:      -1,
+		Done:          false,
+		PrevLineCount: len(prevLines),
 	}
 
 	go func() {
@@ -259,14 +283,27 @@ func (r *Runner) RunStreaming(ctx context.Context) *StreamingResult {
 			for scanner.Scan() {
 				lineNumMu.Lock()
 				currentLineNum := lineNum
+				lineIdx := lineNum - 1 // 0-indexed
 				lineNum++
 				lineNumMu.Unlock()
 
-				result.mu.Lock()
-				*result.Lines = append(*result.Lines, Line{
+				newLine := Line{
 					Number:  currentLineNum,
-					Content: scanner.Text(),
-				})
+					Content: sanitizeLine(scanner.Text()),
+				}
+
+				result.mu.Lock()
+				if lineIdx < len(*result.Lines) {
+					// Update existing line in place
+					(*result.Lines)[lineIdx] = newLine
+				} else {
+					// Append new line
+					*result.Lines = append(*result.Lines, newLine)
+				}
+				// Track how many lines this run has produced
+				if currentLineNum > result.CurrentLineCount {
+					result.CurrentLineCount = currentLineNum
+				}
 				result.mu.Unlock()
 			}
 		}

internal/runner/runner_test.go

@@ -320,3 +320,61 @@ func TestSplitLines(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 }
+
+func TestSanitizeLine(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name  string
+		input string
+		want  string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:  "plain text unchanged",
+			input: "hello world",
+			want:  "hello world",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "tabs converted to spaces",
+			input: "col1\tcol2\tcol3",
+			want:  "col1        col2        col3",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "carriage returns removed",
+			input: "line with\r\nwindows ending",
+			want:  "line with\nwindows ending",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "carriage return only removed",
+			input: "progress\roverwrite",
+			want:  "progressoverwrite",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "ANSI color codes preserved",
+			input: "\x1b[32mgreen text\x1b[0m",
+			want:  "\x1b[32mgreen text\x1b[0m",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "mixed tabs and colors",
+			input: "\x1b[1m?\x1b[0m\tpackage\t[no test files]",
+			want:  "\x1b[1m?\x1b[0m        package        [no test files]",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "empty string",
+			input: "",
+			want:  "",
+		},
+		{
+			name:  "multiple tabs",
+			input: "\t\t\t",
+			want:  "                        ",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := sanitizeLine(tt.input)
+			if got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("sanitizeLine(%q) = %q, want %q", tt.input, got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

internal/ui/ui.go

@@ -33,34 +33,38 @@ type Config struct {
 	ShowLineNums         bool
 	LineNumWidth         int
 	Prompt               string
-	RefreshSeconds       int
+	RefreshInterval      time.Duration
+	RefreshFromStart     bool // If true, refresh timer starts when command starts; if false, when command ends (default)
 	Interactive          bool
 }
 
 // model represents the application state
 type model struct {
-	config        Config
-	lines         []runner.Line
-	filtered      []int // indices into lines that match filter
-	cursor        int   // cursor position in filtered list
-	offset        int   // scroll offset for visible window
-	filter        string
-	filterMode    bool
-	showPreview   bool
-	showHelp      bool // help overlay visible
-	width         int
-	height        int
-	runner        *runner.Runner
-	ctx           context.Context
-	cancel        context.CancelFunc
-	loading       bool
-	streaming     bool                    // true while command is running (streaming output)
-	streamResult  *runner.StreamingResult // current streaming result
-	lastLineCount int                     // track line count for updates
-	spinnerFrame  int                     // current spinner animation frame
-	errorMsg      string
-	statusMsg     string // temporary status message (e.g., "Yanked!")
-	exitCode      int    // last command exit code
+	config            Config
+	lines             []runner.Line
+	filtered          []int // indices into lines that match filter
+	cursor            int   // cursor position in filtered list
+	offset            int   // scroll offset for visible window
+	filter            string
+	filterMode        bool
+	showPreview       bool
+	showHelp          bool // help overlay visible
+	width             int
+	height            int
+	runner            *runner.Runner
+	ctx               context.Context
+	cancel            context.CancelFunc
+	loading           bool
+	streaming         bool                    // true while command is running (streaming output)
+	streamResult      *runner.StreamingResult // current streaming result
+	lastLineCount     int                     // track line count for updates
+	userScrolled      bool                    // true if user manually scrolled during streaming
+	refreshGeneration int                     // incremented on manual refresh to reset timer
+	refreshStartTime  time.Time               // when the refresh timer was started
+	spinnerFrame      int                     // current spinner animation frame
+	errorMsg          string
+	statusMsg         string // temporary status message (e.g., "Yanked!")
+	exitCode          int    // last command exit code
 }
 
 // messages
@@ -69,11 +73,16 @@ type resultMsg struct {
 	exitCode int
 }
 type errMsg struct{ err error }
-type tickMsg time.Time
+type tickMsg struct {
+	generation int
+}
 type clearStatusMsg struct{}
 type spinnerTickMsg time.Time
-type streamTickMsg time.Time // periodic check for streaming updates
-type startStreamMsg struct{} // trigger to start streaming
+type streamTickMsg time.Time   // periodic check for streaming updates
+type startStreamMsg struct{}   // trigger to start streaming
+type countdownTickMsg struct { // periodic update for refresh countdown display
+	generation int
+}
 
 // Spinner frames for the loading animation
 var spinnerFrames = []string{"⠋", "⠙", "⠹", "⠸", "⠼", "⠴", "⠦", "⠧", "⠇", "⠏"}
@@ -149,6 +158,13 @@ func (m model) streamTickCmd() tea.Cmd {
 	})
 }
 
+func (m model) countdownTickCmd() tea.Cmd {
+	gen := m.refreshGeneration
+	return tea.Tick(time.Second, func(t time.Time) tea.Msg {
+		return countdownTickMsg{generation: gen}
+	})
+}
+
 func (m *model) startStreaming() tea.Cmd {
 	// Cancel any existing context and create a new one
 	if m.cancel != nil {
@@ -156,14 +172,27 @@ func (m *model) startStreaming() tea.Cmd {
 	}
 	m.ctx, m.cancel = context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 
-	m.streamResult = m.runner.RunStreaming(m.ctx)
+	// Pass previous lines for in-place updates
+	m.streamResult = m.runner.RunStreaming(m.ctx, m.lines)
 	m.streaming = true
 	m.loading = true
-	m.lastLineCount = 0
+	m.lastLineCount = len(m.lines)
 	m.exitCode = -1
 	m.errorMsg = ""
+	m.userScrolled = false
 
-	return m.streamTickCmd()
+	cmds := []tea.Cmd{m.streamTickCmd()}
+
+	// Start refresh timer from command start if configured
+	if m.config.RefreshFromStart && m.config.RefreshInterval > 0 {
+		m.refreshStartTime = time.Now()
+		cmds = append(cmds, m.tickCmd())
+		if m.config.RefreshInterval > time.Second {
+			cmds = append(cmds, m.countdownTickCmd())
+		}
+	}
+
+	return tea.Batch(cmds...)
 }
 
 func (m *model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
@@ -201,6 +230,15 @@ func (m *model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 			m.lines = newLines
 			m.lastLineCount = newCount
 			m.updateFiltered()
+
+			// Auto-scroll to bottom if user hasn't manually scrolled
+			if !m.userScrolled {
+				visible := m.visibleLines()
+				if visible > 0 {
+					m.cursor = max(len(m.filtered)-1, 0)
+					m.offset = max(len(m.filtered)-visible, 0)
+				}
+			}
 		}
 
 		// Check if command completed
@@ -212,9 +250,22 @@ func (m *model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 				m.errorMsg = m.streamResult.Error.Error()
 			}
 
-			// If auto-refresh is enabled, schedule the next run
-			if m.config.RefreshSeconds > 0 {
-				return m, m.tickCmd()
+			// Trim excess lines from previous run
+			currentCount := m.streamResult.GetCurrentLineCount()
+			if currentCount < len(m.lines) {
+				m.lines = m.lines[:currentCount]
+				m.updateFiltered()
+			}
+
+			// If auto-refresh is enabled and timer starts from end, schedule the next run
+			if m.config.RefreshInterval > 0 && !m.config.RefreshFromStart {
+				m.refreshStartTime = time.Now()
+				cmds := []tea.Cmd{m.tickCmd()}
+				// Start countdown display updates if interval > 1s
+				if m.config.RefreshInterval > time.Second {
+					cmds = append(cmds, m.countdownTickCmd())
+				}
+				return m, tea.Batch(cmds...)
 			}
 			return m, nil
 		}
@@ -223,7 +274,11 @@ func (m *model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		return m, m.streamTickCmd()
 
 	case tickMsg:
-		if m.config.RefreshSeconds > 0 && !m.streaming {
+		// Ignore ticks from before a manual refresh
+		if msg.generation != m.refreshGeneration {
+			return m, nil
+		}
+		if m.config.RefreshInterval > 0 && !m.streaming {
 			// Restart streaming for refresh
 			cmd := m.startStreaming()
 			return m, tea.Batch(cmd, m.spinnerTickCmd())
@@ -246,14 +301,29 @@ func (m *model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 			return m, m.spinnerTickCmd()
 		}
 		return m, nil
+
+	case countdownTickMsg:
+		// Ignore ticks from before a manual refresh
+		if msg.generation != m.refreshGeneration {
+			return m, nil
+		}
+		// Continue ticking if waiting for auto-refresh
+		if m.config.RefreshInterval > time.Second && !m.streaming && !m.refreshStartTime.IsZero() {
+			elapsed := time.Since(m.refreshStartTime)
+			if elapsed < m.config.RefreshInterval {
+				return m, m.countdownTickCmd()
+			}
+		}
+		return m, nil
 	}
 
 	return m, nil
 }
 
 func (m model) tickCmd() tea.Cmd {
-	return tea.Tick(time.Duration(m.config.RefreshSeconds)*time.Second, func(t time.Time) tea.Msg {
-		return tickMsg(t)
+	gen := m.refreshGeneration
+	return tea.Tick(m.config.RefreshInterval, func(t time.Time) tea.Msg {
+		return tickMsg{generation: gen}
 	})
 }
 
@@ -295,35 +365,53 @@ func (m *model) handleKeyPress(msg tea.KeyMsg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 
 	// Normal mode keybindings
 	switch msg.String() {
-	case "q", "esc", "ctrl+c":
+	case "q", "ctrl+c":
+		m.cancel()
+		return m, tea.Quit
+	case "esc":
+		// Clear filter if active, otherwise quit
+		if m.filter != "" {
+			m.filter = ""
+			m.updateFiltered()
+			return m, nil
+		}
 		m.cancel()
 		return m, tea.Quit
 
 	case "j", "down", "ctrl+n":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(1)
 	case "k", "up", "ctrl+p":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(-1)
 	case "g", "home":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.cursor = 0
 		m.offset = 0
 	case "G", "end":
+		m.userScrolled = false // Resume following output
 		if len(m.filtered) > 0 {
 			m.cursor = len(m.filtered) - 1
 			m.adjustOffset()
 		}
 	case "ctrl+d":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(m.visibleLines() / 2)
 	case "ctrl+u":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(-m.visibleLines() / 2)
 	case "pgdown", "ctrl+f":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(m.visibleLines())
 	case "pgup", "ctrl+b":
+		m.userScrolled = true
 		m.moveCursor(-m.visibleLines())
 	case "p":
 		m.showPreview = !m.showPreview
 		m.adjustOffset() // Keep selected line visible after preview toggle
 	case "r", "ctrl+r":
-		// Restart streaming
+		// Restart streaming and reset auto-refresh timer
+		m.refreshGeneration++
 		cmd := m.startStreaming()
 		return m, tea.Batch(cmd, m.spinnerTickCmd())
 	case "/":
@@ -485,7 +573,16 @@ func (m *model) updateFiltered() {
 	if m.cursor < 0 {
 		m.cursor = 0
 	}
-	m.offset = 0
+
+	// Clamp offset to valid bounds instead of resetting to 0
+	// This preserves scroll position during streaming updates
+	visible := m.visibleLines()
+	if visible > 0 {
+		maxOffset := max(len(m.filtered)-visible, 0)
+		if m.offset > maxOffset {
+			m.offset = maxOffset
+		}
+	}
 }
 
 // renderHelpOverlay creates the help box content (without positioning)
@@ -837,6 +934,22 @@ func (m model) renderMainView() string {
 		commandLine = prefix + failStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf("✗ [%d] %s", m.exitCode, m.config.Command))
 	}
 
+	// Add refresh countdown on the right if auto-refresh is enabled and > 1s
+	if m.config.RefreshInterval > time.Second && !m.streaming && !m.refreshStartTime.IsZero() {
+		elapsed := time.Since(m.refreshStartTime)
+		remaining := m.config.RefreshInterval - elapsed
+		if remaining > 0 {
+			countdownStyle := lipgloss.NewStyle().Foreground(lipgloss.Color("241")) // dim gray
+			countdown := countdownStyle.Render(fmt.Sprintf("(%ds)", int(remaining.Seconds())+1))
+			cmdWidth := lipgloss.Width(commandLine)
+			countdownWidth := lipgloss.Width(countdown)
+			gap := innerWidth - cmdWidth - countdownWidth
+			if gap > 0 {
+				commandLine += strings.Repeat(" ", gap) + countdown
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Build prompt line (will go at bottom)
 	var promptLine string
 	switch {

internal/ui/ui_test.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package ui
 
 import (
 	"testing"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/chenasraf/watchr/internal/runner"
 )
@@ -16,7 +17,7 @@ func TestConfig(t *testing.T) {
 		ShowLineNums:         true,
 		LineNumWidth:         6,
 		Prompt:               "watchr> ",
-		RefreshSeconds:       5,
+		RefreshInterval:      5 * time.Second,
 	}
 
 	if cfg.Command != "echo test" {
@@ -51,8 +52,8 @@ func TestConfig(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected prompt 'watchr> ', got %q", cfg.Prompt)
 	}
 
-	if cfg.RefreshSeconds != 5 {
-		t.Errorf("expected refresh seconds 5, got %d", cfg.RefreshSeconds)
+	if cfg.RefreshInterval != 5*time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("expected refresh interval 5s, got %v", cfg.RefreshInterval)
 	}
 }
 

main.go

@@ -34,7 +34,8 @@ func main() {
 	flag.IntP("line-width", "w", 6, "Line number width")
 	flag.StringP("prompt", "p", "watchr> ", "Prompt string")
 	flag.StringP("shell", "s", "sh", "Shell to use for executing commands")
-	flag.IntP("refresh", "r", 0, "Auto-refresh interval in seconds (0 = disabled)")
+	flag.StringP("refresh", "r", "0", "Auto-refresh interval (e.g., 1, 1.5, 500ms, 2s, 5m, 1h; default unit: seconds, 0 = disabled)")
+	flag.Bool("refresh-from-start", false, "Start refresh timer when command starts (default: when command ends)")
 	flag.BoolP("interactive", "i", false, "Run shell in interactive mode (sources ~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, etc.)")
 
 	printUsage := func(w *os.File) {
@@ -108,7 +109,8 @@ func main() {
 	shell := config.GetString(config.KeyShell)
 	lineNumWidth := config.GetInt(config.KeyLineWidth)
 	prompt := config.GetString(config.KeyPrompt)
-	refreshSeconds := config.GetInt(config.KeyRefresh)
+	refreshInterval := config.GetDuration(config.KeyRefresh)
+	refreshFromStart := config.GetBool(config.KeyRefreshFromStart)
 	showLineNums := config.ShowLineNumbers()
 	interactive := config.GetBool(config.KeyInteractive)
 
@@ -130,7 +132,8 @@ func main() {
 		ShowLineNums:         showLineNums,
 		LineNumWidth:         lineNumWidth,
 		Prompt:               prompt,
-		RefreshSeconds:       refreshSeconds,
+		RefreshInterval:      refreshInterval,
+		RefreshFromStart:     refreshFromStart,
 		Interactive:          interactive,
 	}
 

version.txt

@@ -1 +1 @@
-1.4.0
+1.6.0