During development, file changes can happen fast. A save, a deletion, a move, a rename — or even an automatic change made by a tool. And suddenly you are wondering: What exactly changed? What was deleted? Can I still get the previous version back?
Meet CodeFootprint
CodeFootprint is a Mac app I built to solve exactly this problem.
You select a project folder to monitor, and CodeFootprint quietly records every change to your text and code files — edits, deletions, timestamps, and full diff details. All stored locally on your machine.
What It Does
Tracks file changes in any local folder you choose
Records diffs — see exactly what was added, removed, or modified
Shows timelines — know precisely when each change happened
Recoverable history — review previous versions when something goes wrong
Background operation — no workflow interruption, it just records silently
Not a Git Replacement
CodeFootprint is not meant to replace Git or any code editor. It works more like an independent local record of real file changes. Whether changes come from your editor, terminal, Finder, scripts, or other development tools — CodeFootprint captures them all, as long as they happen inside your selected folders.
AI Workflow Integration
One feature I find especially useful: CodeFootprint supports exporting trace files. You can export your change history and share it with different AI tools for analysis, debugging, review, or handoff.
If you work across multiple AI tools (and who does not these days), this reduces repeated explanation and helps the next tool understand what happened before.
Privacy First
CodeFootprint runs fully on device:
- No account required
- No cloud services
- No project files uploaded anywhere
- All records stored in your chosen local location
Built for developers who care about privacy and local control.
Who Is It For
Independent developers, programmers, students, creators — anyone who writes code, modifies projects, debugs files, or uses AI tools for development. Sometimes the biggest problem is not that a file changed, but that you no longer know exactly how it changed.
Available Now on the Mac App Store
CodeFootprint is live on the Mac App Store. Download it and start tracking your file changes today.
More convenience. More protection. More peace of mind.