PackerCheckUpdate

[ahmedkhalf]

Describe the feature

Is it possible to have this feature where packer asynchronously checks for updates and then outputs the number of plugins that need to be updated. Perhaps this could be done in a function, and then users can use this function to make all sort of integrations like floating windows/notifications.

[wbthomason]

This is a cool idea; I like it. It probably wouldn't be hard to build on top of the existing git machinery - we could do something like https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3258243/check-if-pull-needed-in-git. I don't have the time myself to implement this until after the end of August at the earliest, but I'd be happy to guide/give feedback on a PR if you/anyone else is interested in leading it.

[wbthomason]

Another option here would be using git ls-remote.

[CodedCraft]

That's a great idea! Is there a way to tie in git ls-remote with packer such that packer returns the names of all installed packages to git ls-remote?

[wbthomason]

I'm not very familiar with ls-remote, but it would be quite easy to provide it (or any command) with the paths of the installed plugins, yes.

[aosterhage]

Just wanted to bump this request. I'm new to using packer and was hoping to add a MOTD to my greeter that showed available updates.