In simple English
This tool checks web pages for changes on a schedule. It compares the old version to the new one and sends you an alert. You can receive alerts by email or chat messages. It costs nothing to run on your own computer. It takes a short time to set up and check your list of sites.
What it is
A command-line tool written in Python that fetches web pages, extracts the text you care about, and notifies you when it changes. It uses configuration files to define what pages to watch and how to send alerts.
What it is good for
Solo builders who want to track competitor pricing, monitor government policy updates, or watch release pages without checking them by hand.
- Runs locally on your own computer or server without hidden subscription fees.
- Sends alerts through common channels like email and messaging apps.
- Filters page content using custom rules so you only see real text changes.
- Requires comfort with the command line and text configuration files.
- Complex JavaScript-heavy sites may need extra browser setup to read correctly.
- Custom licence terms require reading before commercial redistribution.
Checking web pages by hand every day
Cron job scheduler for running checks automatically
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python3 -m venv venv source venv/bin/activate pip install urlwatch