PHPStorm - Run Filewatcher on existing files?

Question

I've installed the nodejs plugin in PHPStorm and setup the yuicompressor npm for minifying css/js.

I got the file watcher working so that .min.css files are produced automatically whenever i make changes to .css/.js files in the project, but notice the file watcher only kicks in on existing files if I make a change to the file.

So, if .css/.js files already exist in a project which do not require any changes, the newly defined file watcher doesn't run on them unless you go in and make a change on each file you want minified (or touched some other external way).

Assuming you have an existing project with existing .css/.js files which don't require changes, is there an easy way to run PHPStorm File Watchers without having to change the files first?

Answer 1

1. Select such file(s)/folder(s) in Project View panel
2. "Help | Find Action" (Ctrl + Shift + A), activate check box for better results
3. Search for "run file w" (without quotes, obviously) and choose Run File Watchers entry

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Alternatively:

1. "Settings | Keymap"
2. Find that Run File Watchers action (under "Plugins | File Watchers" branch)
3. Assign some custom shortcut
4. Select desired file(s)/folder(s) in Project View panel
5. Use that shortcut from step 3

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Alternatively:

1. "Settings | Menus and Toolbars"
2. "Project View Popup Menu" branch
3. Find desired location and click on "Add After..." button
4. Locate Run File Watchers action (it's under "Plugins | File Watcher" branch) and click on "OK" button
5. The action is now accessible via content menu in Project View panel and can be used on desired files and folders.