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All built-in macOS command-line tools, with descriptions and usage examples.

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macOS command-Line tools

All built-in macOS command-line tools, with descriptions and usage examples.

All commands

afconvert - Audio File Convert

What it does:
afconvert is a command-line utility that converts audio files from one format to another. It supports various formats like AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC, and more. It also allows you to modify audio properties such as sample rate, bit depth, and channels.

Why use it:
If you need to batch-convert audio files, automate audio processing tasks, or prepare audio files for different devices and applications, afconvert provides a powerful way to script these conversions without using a GUI application.

Usage example:

# Convert an AIFF file to MP3  
afconvert input.aiff -o output.mp3 -f MP3

afinfo - Audio File Info

What it does:
afinfo displays detailed information about audio files, including format, duration, bit rate, sample rate, channels, and metadata.

Why use it:
When managing audio libraries or processing audio files, you might need to verify file properties quickly. afinfo allows you to inspect these details directly from the terminal, which is helpful for scripting and automation.

Usage example:

# Display information about an audio file  
afinfo song.m4a

afplay - Audio File Play

What it does:
afplay plays audio files from the command line. It supports common audio formats and allows you to control playback options like volume and playback rate.

Why use it:
If you're working in a terminal session and want to listen to audio files without opening a separate application, afplay lets you play sounds directly. It's also useful in scripts where you want to provide auditory feedback.

Usage example:

# Play an audio file  
afplay notification.wav

airport - Manage Apple AirPort

What it does:
airport is a command-line tool for managing Wi-Fi connections. It allows you to scan for wireless networks, connect to networks, display the status of the Wi-Fi interface, and adjust wireless settings.

Why use it:
For troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, automating network connections, or collecting Wi-Fi diagnostics, airport offers control over wireless interfaces without needing to navigate through system preferences.

Usage example:

# Scan for available Wi-Fi networks  
airport -s

asr - Apple Software Restore

What it does:
asr is used to clone disks and restore disk images to volumes. It performs block-level copying, which can be faster than file-level copying, and supports features like encryption and compression.

Why use it:
When you need to deploy a standard system image across multiple Macs, backup a disk, or restore a system from a disk image, asr provides an efficient way to perform these tasks via scripting.

Usage example:

# Restore a disk image to a volume  
sudo asr restore --source image.dmg --target /Volumes/TargetDrive --erase

atsutil - Font Registration System Utility

What it does:
atsutil manages the Apple Type Services (ATS), including font caches. It can be used to reset font caches, verify font registrations, and troubleshoot font-related issues.

Why use it:
If you're experiencing problems with fonts not displaying correctly, corrupted fonts, or system slowdowns due to font issues, atsutil can help resolve these by clearing and rebuilding font caches.

Usage example:

# Reset font caches  
atsutil databases -remove

automator - Run an Automator Workflow

What it does:
automator executes Automator workflows from the command line. Automator allows users to create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks using a visual interface.

Why use it:
Integrating automator into scripts enables you to automate complex tasks that involve GUI interactions, such as batch image processing or file organization, without manual intervention.

Usage example:

# Run an Automator workflow  
automator /path/to/workflow.workflow

bless - Set Volume Bootability and Startup Disk Options

What it does:
bless configures boot settings on macOS systems. It can set the startup disk, create bootable volumes, and modify boot configurations.

Why use it:
When setting up dual-boot systems, creating bootable external drives, or managing startup configurations remotely, bless provides the necessary control over boot settings.

Usage example:

# Set the startup disk to a specific volume  
sudo bless --mount /Volumes/BootVolume --setBoot

caffeinate - Prevent the System from Sleeping

What it does:
caffeinate prevents your Mac from going to sleep. It can inhibit sleep indefinitely or for a specified duration, and it can target specific sleep behaviors like display sleep.

Why use it:
Useful for ensuring long-running tasks, such as downloads, backups, or presentations, are not interrupted by the system entering sleep mode.

Usage example:

# Prevent sleep for 2 hours  
caffeinate -t 7200

chflags - Change a File or Folder's Flags

What it does:
chflags modifies special flags on files and directories, such as making them immutable (uchg), hidden, or append-only.

Why use it:
To protect critical files from accidental modification or deletion, or to hide files from standard directory listings without changing permissions.

Usage example:

# Make a file immutable  
chflags uchg important.doc

# Remove the immutable flag  
chflags nouchg important.doc

codesign - Create and Manipulate Code Signatures

What it does:
codesign applies, verifies, and manages code signatures for applications and other code objects. Code signing is required for apps to pass macOS security checks like Gatekeeper.

Why use it:
If you're a developer distributing software on macOS, codesign ensures your apps are properly signed, which is essential for user trust and compliance with macOS security policies.

Usage example:

# Sign an application with a development certificate  
codesign -s "Developer ID Application: Your Name" /path/to/App.app

createhomedir - Create and Populate Home Directories

What it does:
createhomedir generates home directories for user accounts that lack them, especially in networked or directory service environments.

Why use it:
Administrators can automate the creation of home directories for new users, ensuring they have the necessary environment when they first log in.

Usage example:

# Create home directories for all users  
sudo createhomedir -c

csrutil - Configure System Integrity Protection (SIP)

What it does:
csrutil enables or disables System Integrity Protection, a security feature that restricts root-level access to critical system files.

Why use it:
Developers or advanced users may need to disable SIP temporarily to install certain system-level software or perform troubleshooting tasks that require modifying protected areas.

Usage example:

# Disable SIP (requires recovery mode)  
csrutil disable

# Enable SIP  
csrutil enable

cupsfilter - Convert Files Using CUPS Filters

What it does:
cupsfilter processes files using the CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) filters, converting them into printer-ready formats.

Why use it:
To convert documents to formats compatible with specific printers, or to process print jobs programmatically in custom printing workflows.

Usage example:

# Convert a PDF to a printer-specific format  
cupsfilter -m printer/foo input.pdf > output.pcl

diskutil - Disk Utilities

What it does:
diskutil manages disks and volumes on macOS. It can format, partition, verify, repair, mount, unmount, and erase disks.

Why use it:
For tasks like preparing new disks, repairing disk errors, managing disk partitions, or scripting disk operations without using Disk Utility's GUI.

Usage example:

# List all disks and partitions  
diskutil list

# Erase a disk and format it as HFS+  
diskutil eraseDisk HFS+ NewDiskName /dev/disk2

ditto - Copy Files and Folders

What it does:
ditto copies files and directories, preserving metadata, resource forks, and extended attributes. It can also create archives and perform incremental backups.

Why use it:
When cp isn't sufficient because it doesn't preserve all macOS-specific metadata, ditto ensures a faithful copy, making it ideal for backups and system migrations.

Usage example:

# Copy a folder and preserve metadata  
ditto /source/folder /destination/folder

dot_clean - Remove Dot-Underscore Files

What it does:
dot_clean merges or removes .DS_Store and ._ files, which store metadata on non-HFS+ file systems.

Why use it:
To clean up unnecessary files that can cause clutter or compatibility issues when transferring files to other operating systems or devices.

Usage example:

# Clean up a USB drive  
dot_clean /Volumes/USBDrive

drutil - Interact with CD/DVD Burners

What it does:
drutil controls optical disc drives, allowing you to burn discs, erase rewritable media, eject or close the tray, and get drive status.

Why use it:
For automating disc burning processes, managing discs in servers or kiosks, or controlling the drive without a GUI.

Usage example:

# Eject the disc tray  
drutil tray eject

# Burn an ISO image to disc  
drutil burn image.iso

dscacheutil - Directory Service Cache Utility

What it does:
dscacheutil interacts with the directory service cache, allowing you to query, flush, and monitor the cache.

Why use it:
When experiencing issues with user authentication, DNS resolution, or directory services, flushing the cache can resolve outdated or corrupt data problems.

Usage example:

# Flush DNS cache  
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

dseditgroup - Edit Groups

What it does:
dseditgroup manages user groups in the directory services, enabling you to create, delete, and modify group memberships.

Why use it:
Administrators can script group management tasks, such as adding users to groups or setting up permissions, essential for managing multi-user systems.

Usage example:

# Add a user to the admin group  
sudo dseditgroup -o edit -a username -t user admin

dsenableroot - Enable Root Access

What it does:
dsenableroot activates or deactivates the root user account on macOS.

Why use it:
In situations where sudo is insufficient, enabling the root account allows for direct root login, though it should be used cautiously due to security risks.

Usage example:

# Enable the root user  
sudo dsenableroot

# Disable the root user  
sudo dsenableroot -d

dsmemberutil - View User and Group Rights

What it does:
dsmemberutil provides information about user and group memberships, UUIDs, and other directory service data.

Why use it:
To verify group memberships, troubleshoot permission issues, or script checks on user access rights.

Usage example:

# Check if a user is in a group  
dsmemberutil checkmembership -U username -G groupname

dscl - Directory Service Command Line

What it does:
dscl is a powerful tool for interacting with directory services. It can read and modify directory data, manage users and groups, and perform advanced queries.

Why use it:
For automating user and group management, scripting directory service interactions, and performing bulk operations in enterprise environments.

Usage example:

# List all local users  
dscl . list /Users

# Create a new user  
sudo dscl . -create /Users/newuser

execsnoop - Snoop New Process Execution

What it does:
execsnoop monitors and displays new processes as they are executed on the system, using DTrace.

Why use it:
Useful for real-time monitoring of process execution, debugging, performance analysis, or security auditing to detect unexpected or malicious processes.

Usage example:

# Start monitoring process execution (requires sudo)  
sudo execsnoop

fdesetup - FileVault Setup Utility

What it does:
fdesetup configures FileVault 2 encryption. It can enable or disable encryption, manage recovery keys, and add or remove authorized users.

Why use it:
To automate the deployment of full-disk encryption across multiple systems, ensuring data security compliance in organizational environments.

Usage example:

# Enable FileVault  
sudo fdesetup enable

# Add a user to FileVault  
sudo fdesetup add -usertoadd username

fs_usage - Filesystem Activity Monitor

What it does:
fs_usage displays file system activity in real-time, showing system calls and page faults related to file operations.

Why use it:
For diagnosing performance issues, monitoring application file usage, or identifying processes causing high disk activity.

Usage example:

# Monitor filesystem activity  
sudo fs_usage

GetFileInfo - Get HFS+ File Attributes

What it does:
GetFileInfo retrieves metadata and attributes of files on HFS+ file systems, such as file type, creator code, and flags.

Why use it:
To inspect file properties that are not visible through standard commands, particularly when dealing with legacy Mac files.

Usage example:

# Get information about a file  
GetFileInfo myfile.txt

hdiutil - Manipulate Disk Images

What it does:
hdiutil creates, mounts, unmounts, and manipulates disk images (.dmg files). It supports encryption, compression, and segmentation.

Why use it:
For creating custom disk images for software distribution, backups, encrypted volumes, or automating disk image tasks in scripts.

Usage example:

# Create a disk image from a folder  
hdiutil create -volname MyDisk -srcfolder /path/to/folder -ov -format UDZO mydisk.dmg

installer - Install macOS Packages

What it does:
installer installs macOS installer packages (.pkg files) from the command line.

Why use it:
To automate software installations, especially in deployment scripts or when setting up multiple systems without user interaction.

Usage example:

# Install a package  
sudo installer -pkg package.pkg -target /

iosnoop - Monitor I/O Events

What it does:
iosnoop tracks I/O events as they occur, showing which processes are performing read/write operations.

Why use it:
For performance tuning, identifying I/O bottlenecks, or monitoring disk activity for specific applications.

Usage example:

# Start monitoring I/O events (requires sudo)  
sudo iosnoop

kextfind - Find Kernel Extensions

What it does:
kextfind searches for kernel extensions (kexts) based on criteria like bundle identifiers, version numbers, or dependencies.

Why use it:
To locate specific kernel extensions when troubleshooting system issues or verifying driver installations.

Usage example:

# Find all kexts with a specific bundle identifier  
kextfind -b com.example.driver

kextstat - Kernel Extension Status

What it does:
kextstat lists currently loaded kernel extensions, showing their load addresses, dependencies, and identifiers.

Why use it:
For diagnosing kernel-related problems, ensuring necessary drivers are loaded, or checking for conflicting extensions.

Usage example:

# List all loaded kernel extensions  
kextstat

kextunload - Unload Kernel Extensions

What it does:
kextunload unloads a kernel extension from the running system.

Why use it:
To remove problematic drivers without rebooting, update extensions, or temporarily disable functionality for testing.

Usage example:

# Unload a kernel extension  
sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/Example.kext

kickstart - Configure Apple Remote Desktop

What it does:
kickstart configures the Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) service, allowing you to enable remote management and set access permissions.

Why use it:
For setting up remote administration capabilities on multiple Macs, automating ARD configurations, or deploying settings in managed environments.

Usage example:

# Enable ARD and allow access for all users  
sudo /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -activate

launchctl - Manage Daemons and Agents

What it does:
launchctl interacts with launchd, the service management framework for starting, stopping, and managing daemons and agents.

Why use it:
To control background services, schedule tasks, or manage startup items, essential for system administration and automation.

Usage example:

# Load a launch agent  
launchctl load ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.example.agent.plist

# List all loaded services  
launchctl list

lsregister - Launch Services Database Management

What it does:
lsregister rebuilds or resets the Launch Services database, which maps file types to applications.

Why use it:
When experiencing issues like incorrect file associations, applications not appearing in "Open With" menus, or other anomalies, lsregister can help fix them.

Usage example:

# Rebuild the Launch Services database  
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user

lsbom - List Bill of Materials

What it does:
lsbom lists the contents of a Bill of Materials (BOM) file, which records files installed by a package.

Why use it:
To audit installed files, verify package installations, or understand what files are associated with a specific package.

Usage example:

# List files in a BOM file  
lsbom /var/db/receipts/com.example.pkg.bom

mdfind - Spotlight Search from the Command Line

What it does:
mdfind performs searches using Spotlight's index, allowing you to find files based on metadata and content.

Why use it:
To locate files quickly without scanning the entire filesystem, useful in scripts or when the GUI is unavailable.

Usage example:

# Find files with "report" in the name  
mdfind "kMDItemFSName == '*report*'"

mdimport - Import Files into Spotlight Index

What it does:
mdimport forces Spotlight to index specified files or directories.

Why use it:
To manually update the Spotlight index after adding or modifying files, ensuring they appear in search results promptly.

Usage example:

# Index a folder  
mdimport /path/to/folder

mdls - Display Metadata Attributes

What it does:
mdls lists the metadata attributes of a file as indexed by Spotlight, such as creation date, keywords, and content type.

Why use it:
To inspect file metadata for debugging, data analysis, or to use in scripts that process files based on attributes.

Usage example:

# Show metadata of a file  
mdls document.pdf

mdutil - Manage Spotlight Indexing

What it does:
mdutil enables or disables Spotlight indexing on volumes and manages the index store.

Why use it:
To prevent indexing on volumes where it's unnecessary (like backup drives), or to rebuild the index when it's corrupted.

Usage example:

# Disable indexing on a volume  
sudo mdutil -i off /Volumes/ExternalDrive

# Rebuild the index  
sudo mdutil -E /

mkfile - Create a File with a Specific Size

What it does:
mkfile creates a file of a specified size, filled with null bytes.

Why use it:
For testing disk space usage, simulating large files, benchmarking, or creating placeholder files.

Usage example:

# Create a 100 MB file  
mkfile 100m largefile.dat

networkQuality - Network Performance Testing

What it does:
networkQuality measures network performance metrics like upload/download capacity and responsiveness.

Why use it:
To diagnose internet connection issues, test network speed, or monitor network quality over time.

Usage example:

# Run a network quality test  
networkQuality

networksetup - Configure Network Settings

What it does:
networksetup manages network configurations, including interfaces, locations, proxies, and DNS settings.

Why use it:
To automate network setup, switch configurations when moving between locations, or manage settings on headless systems.

Usage example:

# Set DNS servers for Wi-Fi  
networksetup -setdnsservers Wi-Fi 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

ntfs.util - NTFS Filesystem Utility

What it does:
ntfs.util assists in mounting NTFS volumes and handling NTFS-specific tasks.

Why use it:
To access NTFS-formatted drives on macOS, particularly for reading data from Windows-formatted disks.

Usage example:

# Mount an NTFS volume (usually handled automatically)  
ntfs.util -m disk2s1

nvram - Manipulate Firmware Variables

What it does:
nvram reads and writes variables stored in non-volatile memory, such as boot arguments and system settings.

Why use it:
For configuring low-level system settings, troubleshooting boot issues, or setting hardware preferences.

Usage example:

# Reset NVRAM  
sudo nvram -c

# Set a boot argument  
sudo nvram boot-args="-v"

open - Open Files and Applications

What it does:
open opens files, directories, or URLs in the default or specified application. It can also open applications directly.

Why use it:
To launch applications or files from the command line, integrate with scripts, or automate workflows that require opening GUI elements.

Usage example:

# Open a file with the default application  
open report.pdf

# Open a URL in the default browser  
open https://www.example.com

# Open a file with a specific application  
open -a TextEdit notes.txt

opensnoop - Monitor File Opens

What it does:
opensnoop tracks and displays files as they are opened by processes in real-time.

Why use it:
For security auditing, troubleshooting file access issues, or monitoring application behavior regarding file usage.

Usage example:

# Start monitoring file opens (requires sudo)  
sudo opensnoop

osacompile - Compile AppleScript Scripts

What it does:
osacompile compiles AppleScript files into compiled scripts or applications.

Why use it:
To automate the compilation of scripts for distribution, integrate scripting into build processes, or protect source code.

Usage example:

# Compile an AppleScript into an application  
osacompile -o MyApp.app myscript.scpt

osascript - Execute AppleScript and Other OSA Scripts

What it does:
osascript runs AppleScript or other Open Scripting Architecture (OSA) scripts from the command line.

Why use it:
To automate tasks that require interaction with GUI applications or system services that are scriptable via AppleScript.

Usage example:

# Run an AppleScript file  
osascript myscript.scpt

# Execute an inline AppleScript  
osascript -e 'display dialog "Hello, world!"'

pbcopy - Copy Data to the Clipboard

What it does:
pbcopy takes standard input and places it into the clipboard (pasteboard).

Why use it:
To programmatically copy text or data into the clipboard from scripts or command output.

Usage example:

# Copy the contents of a file to the clipboard  
cat file.txt | pbcopy

pbpaste - Paste Data from the Clipboard

What it does:
pbpaste outputs the contents of the clipboard to standard output.

Why use it:
To retrieve data from the clipboard for use in scripts or to process clipboard contents via command-line tools.

Usage example:

# Save the clipboard contents to a file  
pbpaste > clipboard.txt

pbs - Pasteboard Server Helper Tool

What it does:
pbs is a background service that manages the clipboard (pasteboard) on macOS.

Why use it:
While not typically used directly, understanding pbs can help in troubleshooting clipboard issues or when needing to restart the service.

Usage example:

# Restart the pasteboard server  
killall pbs

pdisk - Apple Partition Table Editor

What it does:
pdisk edits partition maps on disks, particularly those using the Apple Partition Map (APM) scheme.

Why use it:
For managing partitions on legacy systems or disks that require APM, which is necessary for older Mac hardware or specific compatibility scenarios.

Usage example:

# List partitions on a disk  
pdisk /dev/disk0 -dump

pfctl - Packet Filter Control

What it does:
pfctl manages the PF firewall, allowing you to configure firewall rules, NAT, and traffic filtering.

Why use it:
To enhance network security by controlling inbound and outbound traffic, set up complex firewall rules, or manage network address translation.

Usage example:

# Load a PF configuration file  
sudo pfctl -f /etc/pf.conf

# Enable the PF firewall  
sudo pfctl -e

pkgbuild - Build Installer Packages

What it does:
pkgbuild creates macOS installer packages from a payload and scripts, used for software distribution.

Why use it:
Developers and system administrators can package applications, scripts, or settings for deployment across multiple systems.

Usage example:

# Build a package from a component  
pkgbuild --root /path/to/root --identifier com.example.pkg --version 1.0 example.pkg

pkgutil - Package Manager Utility

What it does:
pkgutil examines and manipulates installed package receipts, allowing you to query, verify, and forget packages.

Why use it:
To troubleshoot installation issues, verify what files were installed by a package, or clean up package receipts.

Usage example:

# List all installed packages  
pkgutil --pkgs

# Forget a package (remove its receipt)  
sudo pkgutil --forget com.example.pkg

plutil - Property List Utility

What it does:
plutil checks, converts, and manipulates property list (plist) files, which are used for storing configuration data.

Why use it:
To validate plist files, convert between binary and XML formats, or automate changes to configuration files.

Usage example:

# Convert a binary plist to XML  
plutil -convert xml1 settings.plist

# Validate a plist file  
plutil settings.plist

pmset - Power Management Settings

What it does:
pmset adjusts power management settings like sleep timers, hibernation modes, and wake-on-LAN.

Why use it:
To optimize power usage, extend battery life, or configure systems for specific operational needs, such as servers or kiosks.

Usage example:

# Set the display sleep timer to 15 minutes  
sudo pmset displaysleep 15

# Disable sleep mode  
sudo pmset sleep 0

powermetrics - Power and Performance Statistics

What it does:
powermetrics provides detailed statistics on power usage, CPU activity, thermal conditions, and more.

Why use it:
For performance analysis, diagnosing battery drain issues, or monitoring system health under different workloads.

Usage example:

# Monitor CPU power usage  
sudo powermetrics --samplers cpu_power

profiles - Configuration Profiles Management

What it does:
profiles manages user and device configuration profiles, which enforce settings and restrictions on macOS.

Why use it:
To deploy settings across multiple machines, enforce security policies, or manage devices in an enterprise environment.

Usage example:

# List installed profiles  
profiles -P

# Install a profile  
sudo profiles -I -F /path/to/profile.mobileconfig

purge - Clear Disk Cache

What it does:
purge forces the system to clear disk caches, freeing up memory.

Why use it:
For testing applications under low-memory conditions, clearing inactive memory, or troubleshooting memory-related performance issues.

Usage example:

# Clear disk caches  
sudo purge

qlmanage - Quick Look Management Tool

What it does:
qlmanage tests and manages Quick Look generators, which create file previews in Finder.

Why use it:
To troubleshoot preview issues, test custom Quick Look plugins, or force the generation of new previews.

Usage example:

# Preview a file using Quick Look  
qlmanage -p document.pdf

# Reset the Quick Look server  
qlmanage -r

ReportCrash - Crash Reporting

What it does:
ReportCrash handles the logging and reporting of application crashes to Apple.

Why use it:
Developers might disable ReportCrash during testing to prevent interference, or re-enable it to capture crash logs for troubleshooting.

Usage example:

# Disable crash reporting  
launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.ReportCrash.plist

# Enable crash reporting  
launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.ReportCrash.plist

say - Text-to-Speech Utility

What it does:
say converts text to speech, outputting audio through the speakers or saving to an audio file.

Why use it:
For accessibility purposes, creating spoken alerts in scripts, generating audio versions of text, or just for fun.

Usage example:

# Speak a phrase  
say "Hello, world!"

# Save speech to an audio file  
say -o greeting.aiff "Welcome to the system"

screencapture - Capture Screenshots

What it does:
screencapture takes screenshots of the screen, windows, or selected areas, saving them as image files.

Why use it:
To automate screenshot capture in scripts, document processes, or capture images in remote sessions.

Usage example:

# Capture the entire screen  
screencapture screen.jpg

# Capture a selected window after a delay  
screencapture -w -T5 window.png

scselect - Switch Network Locations

What it does:
scselect changes the active network location, which is a set of network configurations.

Why use it:
To quickly switch between different network setups, such as home and office networks, without manual reconfiguration.

Usage example:

# List available network locations  
scselect

# Switch to a network location named "Office"  
scselect "Office"

scutil - System Configuration Utility

What it does:
scutil interacts with the system configuration database, allowing you to query and change network settings.

Why use it:
For advanced network configuration, scripting network setups, or troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Usage example:

# Display the current hostname  
scutil --get HostName

# Set a new hostname  
sudo scutil --set HostName newhostname

security - Manage Keychains and Certificates

What it does:
security handles tasks related to keychains, certificates, and secure storage, such as adding certificates or querying keychain items.

Why use it:
To automate certificate deployment, manage authentication credentials, or script secure interactions in applications.

Usage example:

# List all keychains  
security list-keychains

# Import a certificate  
security import cert.pem -k ~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain-db

serverinfo - macOS Server Information

What it does:
serverinfo provides information about the macOS Server installation, including version and services.

Why use it:
To verify server configurations, check for installed services, or script server management tasks.

Usage example:

# Display server version  
serverinfo --version

setfile - Set File Attributes

What it does:
setfile changes file attributes like creation date, visibility, or file type and creator codes.

Why use it:
To adjust file properties not accessible through standard tools, useful in batch operations or when preparing files for specific applications.

Usage example:

# Set the creation date of a file  
SetFile -d "09/30/2023 12:00:00" document.txt

# Make a file invisible  
SetFile -a V hiddenfile.txt

sharing - Configure File Sharing

What it does:
sharing sets up shared folders and manages sharing services like AFP, FTP, and SMB.

Why use it:
To automate the setup of shared resources, manage access permissions, or configure sharing services without using the GUI.

Usage example:

# List all shared folders
sharing -l

# Add a shared folder
sudo sharing -a /path/to/folder -s "SharedFolder"

shortcuts - Manage macOS Shortcuts

What it does:
shortcuts allows you to run, list, and manage Shortcuts workflows from the command line.

Why use it:
To integrate Shortcuts into automation scripts, trigger workflows programmatically, or manage shortcuts in bulk.

Usage example:

# List all available shortcuts
shortcuts list

# Run a shortcut named "Resize Images"
shortcuts run "Resize Images"

shutdown - Shutdown or Restart the System

What it does:
shutdown powers off, restarts, or puts the system to sleep after a specified delay.

Why use it:
For scheduling system maintenance, ensuring clean shutdowns in scripts, or remotely controlling system power states.

Usage example:

# Shut down immediately
sudo shutdown -h now

# Restart after 1 minute
sudo shutdown -r +1

sips - Scriptable Image Processing System

What it does:
sips performs basic image manipulations, including resizing, cropping, rotating, and format conversion.

Why use it:
To batch process images, automate repetitive image editing tasks, or integrate image manipulation into larger scripts.

Usage example:

# Resize an image to 800x600 pixels
sips -z 600 800 input.jpg --out output.jpg

# Convert an image to PNG format
sips -s format png input.jpg --out output.png

softwareupdate - Manage Software Updates

What it does:
softwareupdate checks for, downloads, and installs macOS updates and upgrades.

Why use it:
To automate system updates, manage updates across multiple machines, or integrate updates into maintenance scripts.

Usage example:

# List available updates
softwareupdate -l

# Install all recommended updates
sudo softwareupdate -i -r

spctl - Security Policy Control

What it does:
spctl manages Gatekeeper policies, controlling which applications are allowed to run based on their code signatures.

Why use it:
To adjust security settings for app execution, whitelist specific applications, or troubleshoot Gatekeeper-related issues.

Usage example:

# Add an application to the whitelist
spctl --add /Applications/Example.app

# Check the status of an application
spctl --assess --verbose=4 /Applications/Example.app

sw_vers - Show macOS Version

What it does:
sw_vers displays the macOS version, build number, and product name.

Why use it:
To check system version information in scripts, ensure compatibility, or log system details.

Usage example:

# Display macOS version information
sw_vers

system_profiler - System Configuration Report

What it does:
system_profiler generates detailed reports of the system's hardware and software configuration.

Why use it:
For inventory management, diagnostics, or collecting system information for support purposes.

Usage example:

# Generate a full system report
system_profiler

# Save the report to a file
system_profiler -detailLevel full > system_report.txt

systemsetup - Configure System Settings

What it does:
systemsetup changes system-level settings like time zone, wake settings, and network time servers.

Why use it:
To automate configuration tasks, standardize settings across multiple machines, or adjust settings without user interaction.

Usage example:

# Set the time zone
sudo systemsetup -settimezone "America/New_York"

# Enable network time synchronization
sudo systemsetup -setusingnetworktime on

tab2space - Convert Tabs to Spaces

What it does:
tab2space replaces tabs with spaces in text files and ensures consistent line endings.

Why use it:
To format code or text files according to style guidelines, or to prepare files for environments where tabs cause issues.

Usage example:

# Convert tabs to spaces in a file
tab2space -t 4 input.txt > output.txt

taskpolicy - Set Process Resource Policies

What it does:
taskpolicy runs a command with modified resource policies, such as reduced CPU priority or I/O throttling.

Why use it:
To limit the resource impact of a process, ensuring it doesn't interfere with other system activities.

Usage example:

# Run a command with low CPU priority
taskpolicy -c low command

tccutil - Privacy Database Management

What it does:
tccutil manages the Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) database, which controls app access to protected resources.

Why use it:
To reset permissions for apps accessing the camera, microphone, or other sensitive data, useful in troubleshooting or scripting privacy settings.

Usage example:

# Reset all permissions for an app
tccutil reset All com.example.app

textutil - Manipulate Text Files

What it does:
textutil converts and manipulates text files in formats like TXT, RTF, DOC, HTML, and others.

Why use it:
To batch convert documents, extract text from rich text files, or automate text processing tasks.

Usage example:

# Convert a Word document to plain text
textutil -convert txt document.docx

# Combine multiple text files into one RTF
textutil -cat rtf file1.txt file2.txt -output combined.rtf

tmutil - Time Machine Utility

What it does:
tmutil manages Time Machine backups, allowing you to start, stop, and configure backups.

Why use it:
To automate backup processes, manage backup destinations, exclude items from backups, or restore data.

Usage example:

# Start a backup manually
tmutil startbackup

# Set a new backup destination
sudo tmutil setdestination /Volumes/BackupDrive

trimforce - Enable TRIM for Third-Party SSDs

What it does:
trimforce enables TRIM commands on non-Apple SSDs, which can improve performance and longevity.

Why use it:
If you're using a third-party SSD, enabling TRIM helps maintain optimal performance, though it should be used with caution.

Usage example:

# Enable TRIM support
sudo trimforce enable

ufs.util - UFS Filesystem Utility

What it does:
ufs.util handles mounting and unmounting of UFS file systems.

Why use it:
For managing UFS volumes, though it's largely obsolete in modern macOS environments.

Usage example:

# Mount a UFS filesystem
ufs.util -m disk2s1

wait4path - Wait for a Path to Become Available

What it does:
wait4path pauses execution until a specified file path appears in the filesystem.

Why use it:
To ensure that a script doesn't proceed until a necessary resource is available, such as an external drive or network share.

Usage example:

# Wait for a volume to mount
wait4path /Volumes/ExternalDrive

wdutil - Wireless Diagnostics Utility

What it does:
wdutil provides tools for capturing and analyzing wireless network diagnostics.

Why use it:
For troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity issues, analyzing signal strength, or collecting data for support.

Usage example:

# Start a Wi-Fi diagnostics capture
sudo wdutil capture

xattr - Extended Attributes Utility

What it does:
xattr reads and modifies extended attributes of files, which store metadata like quarantine status or custom properties.

Why use it:
To remove quarantine flags from downloaded files, manage custom metadata, or fix issues caused by extended attributes.

Usage example:

# List extended attributes of a file
xattr -l downloaded.app

# Remove the quarantine attribute
xattr -d com.apple.quarantine downloaded.app

xcode-select - Manage Command Line Developer Tools

What it does:
xcode-select sets the active developer directory and installs command-line tools necessary for software development.

Why use it:
To configure development environments, switch between multiple versions of Xcode, or install essential build tools.

Usage example:

# Install command-line developer tools
xcode-select --install

# Switch to a different Xcode version
sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode_12.app

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All built-in macOS command-line tools, with descriptions and usage examples.

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