Kibitzr
Self-HostedOpen-source automation tool for monitoring and reacting to web changes
Overview
Kibitzr is a self-hosted automation tool that monitors websites, APIs, and local files for changes. It supports custom checks (regex, XPath, JSONPath) to detect specific updates, triggers notifications via Slack, email, or webhooks, and runs arbitrary scripts on changes. Deployable via Docker, pip install, or on any Python-enabled server, it uses lightweight YAML configuration for easy setup. Ideal for personal or small-team workflows, it eliminates reliance on SaaS monitoring tools while offering full control over data and customization.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
kibitzr:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: kibitzr
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Monitor websites, APIs, and local files for changes
- Custom checks (regex, XPath, JSONPath) for targeted detection
- Flexible notifications (Slack, email, webhooks)
- Run arbitrary scripts on detected changes
- Lightweight YAML configuration
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Kibitzr hard to install?
Kibitzr is easy to install via Docker (single command) or pip (Python package). Docker users can pull the official image and mount a config directory, while pip users run `pip install kibitzr`. Setup only requires editing a YAML file for monitoring targets, making it accessible for users with basic command-line experience.
? Is it a good alternative to proprietary tools like Visualping?
Yes—Kibitzr offers core web change monitoring features but with self-hosted privacy and no recurring costs. It also supports advanced customization (scripts, API checks) that many proprietary tools lock behind paid tiers, making it ideal for users who want control over their automation workflows.
? Is it completely free?
Yes! Kibitzr is open-source under the MIT License, meaning it’s free to use, modify, and distribute without any hidden fees or restrictions. All features are available at no cost.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
- ⊕ No subscription fees
- ⊕ Highly customizable with scripts and checks
- ⊕ Supports multiple monitoring targets
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic Python knowledge for setup/troubleshooting
- ⊖ No graphical UI (configuration via YAML files)
- ⊖ Limited official documentation for advanced use cases