🐕 The Downloads Watchdog

A lightweight, background Java utility that keeps your file system organized automatically.

The Problem: Your Downloads folder is a chaotic mess of PDFs, installers, images, and ZIPs.
The Solution: A "set it and forget it" Java program that watches specific folders and instantly sorts new files into categorized sub-directories.

🚀 Key Features

• ⚡ Zero-Latency Sorting: Uses Java's WatchService API (Event-Driven) to detect file changes instantly without heavy CPU polling.
• 🛡️ Multi-Drive Support: Capable of monitoring folders across different local drives (C:, D:, External Volumes) simultaneously.
• 🧠 Intelligent Conflict Resolution: Never overwrites files. If Resume.pdf exists, it automatically renames the new file to Resume (1).pdf.
• 🧹 Startup Cleanup: Performs a full scan and sort of existing files immediately upon launch.
• 📂 Broad Format Support: Automatically categorizes:
  • Images: .jpg, .png, .svg, .webp, etc.
  • Documents: .pdf, .docx, .txt, .md
  • Code: .java, .py, .js, .json
  • Archives: .zip, .rar, .7z
  • Installers: .exe, .msi, .dmg

🛠️ Technical Highlights

This project demonstrates core Java software engineering concepts:

• Java NIO (New I/O): For efficient file system manipulation.
• Concurrency: Handling blocking event listeners while managing file operations.
• Robust Error Handling: Manages "Overflow" events and file locks (race conditions) during active downloads.
• Modular Design: Clean separation between the "Watch" logic and the "Sort" logic.

📦 Installation & Usage

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK) 8 or higher.
• IntelliJ IDEA (Recommended) or any Java IDE.

Running the Project

1. Clone the repository:
2. Open in IntelliJ IDEA.
3. Configure your folders: Open Main.java and edit the foldersToWatch list to point to your specific directories:

   foldersToWatch.add(Paths.get("C:\\Users\\You\\Downloads"));
   foldersToWatch.add(Paths.get("D:\\Work\\Files"));

4. Run Main.java. The console will show:

   --- 🧹 Starting Initial Cleanup ---
   ✅ Moved: vacation.jpg (in Downloads)
   --- 👀 Watchdog is watching 2 folders ---
   

Building a Standalone JAR

To run this in the background without an IDE:

1. Build the artifact in IntelliJ (Project Structure -> Artifacts).
2. Run via command line:

   java -jar DownloadsWatchdog.jar

3. (Optional) Add the JAR shortcut to your Windows Startup folder to run on boot.

🤝 Contributing

Feel free to fork this project and add support for:

• A configuration file (JSON/Properties) to avoid hardcoding paths.
• A GUI system tray icon to pause/resume the watchdog.

📄 License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.