processesuntil

processesuntil is a command-line utility designed to execute a specified command repeatedly until a particular condition is met. It is often used in scripting and automation tasks where a process needs to be monitored and controlled based on its output or exit status. The utility allows users to define a command to run, a condition to check, and the interval between checks.

The primary function of processesuntil is to provide a more robust way to handle tasks that might require retries or waiting for a specific state. For instance, it can be used to wait for a service to start, a file to appear, or a network port to become available. The condition is typically evaluated based on the exit code of the command or by analyzing the standard output or standard error.

Key features of processesuntil include the ability to set a timeout, which prevents the utility from running indefinitely if the condition is never met. It also allows for configurable delays between executions, ensuring that system resources are not overutilized during the waiting period. The exit status of processesuntil itself reflects whether the target command eventually succeeded in meeting the specified condition or if a timeout occurred. This makes it a valuable tool for building resilient and automated workflows.