One of the most prominent reasons individuals opt for Macs over computers from other manufacturers is the extensive range of native apps and features macOS offers. The in-built utilities and functionalities of macOS facilitate users to perform numerous tasks in a seamless manner. For instance, users who wish to view pictures on their Mac or make changes to a specific photograph can do it using the native Photos app. Similarly, Mac-using individuals who wish to communicate with others via email can use the Mail app to compose new emails and manage pre-existing ones.
Another tremendous native utility of macOS that facilitates users to perform multiple tasks is the Terminal app. According to Techopedia, the Terminal utility of Macs is a CLU or command line interface that is generally used by network admins and advanced technical users to initiate actions that are generally not supported by the operating system’s GUI or graphical user interface. To use the powerful native utility, users must be familiar with numerous fundamental functions and commands. For instance, if a user wishes to move a file from one folder to another folder using the Terminal utility, they need to enter the correct command into the command line to get the job done.
Although it is a great application that facilitates users to perform complex tasks without hassle, there are instances when it exhibits problems in the form of errors. One of the most common Terminal errors is the “Zsh Permission denied” error. This error presents itself when the native utility is unable to perform the command the user has entered. Thankfully, there are numerous methods following which users can efficiently resolve the issue. Users can check the utility’s permissions and modify them if needed. Besides this, another way to resolve the issue is changing directory ownership. Moreover, users can also choose to fix the error by giving the utility complete control over the device’s disk.
Even though it is a handy app, most macOS users do not know how to use it to the best of its capabilities. This article will list numerous Terminal tips and tricks using which macOS users can utilize the app to the best of its capabilities. Let us dive right into it:
- Reveal Hidden Items
One of the most effective ways to ensure that files and folders containing sensitive and confidential data remain safe is to hide them so that no one can access them except the user. However, if the user forgets about their location and wishes to locate them without hassle, they can easily do it using the native Terminal utility. All they need to do is open the Terminal app on their Mac and enter the following command – “defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFile -bool TRUE
Killall Finder”, and press the “Return” key. Similarly, users can hide the files revealed by changing TRUE or FALSE. Using the Terminal command is an excellent method following which users can conveniently reveal or hide files and folders.
- Download Files Without Using any Browser
There are instances when users have a link to the file they wish to download but do not want to use a browser to get the job done. Thankfully, Terminal offers users a simple and easy way to get the job done. All the user needs to do is input two commands, i.e., one to fix the Terminal utility’s location to the Download folder and another one to download the required file. If you wish to follow this method to download a file, set the location by inputting “cd ~/Downloads/” and complete the process by downloading the file after entering “curl -O {the URL of the file).
- Prevent Mac from Sleeping
There are instances when users do not want their Mac’s screen to turn off or enter sleep mode. To ensure that the screen does not turn off, users generally need to go to the Power setting and make adjustments, which takes both time and effort. However, users can get the job done within seconds using the Terminal utility. All they need to do is override the sleep settings in the Energy Preferences section by entering the caffeinate command (caffeinate -u -t [number of seconds]) in the native utility and pressing the Enter button. Doing so will prevent the user’s screen from turning off; thus, they can use the device without any interruptions.
- Dull Hidden App Icons Present in the Dock
The Dock houses numerous application icons, including hidden ones. If you wish to make the Dock dim the applications that are not visible on your desktop, you can easily do it by entering the following command in the Terminal utility:
Defaults write com.apple.Dock showhidden -bool TRUE
Killall Dock
The Terminal utility of macOS is a great native app using which users can perform numerous functions. If you wish to master using the Terminal app, implement the aforementioned tips and tricks.
