Buzz
Typically, Mac users can use Terminal with the graphical interface of Mac OS X to optimize the system. However, many users are unaware that they can use Terminal to directly open applications or open multiple instances of the same application. Refer to the detailed instructions on how to open applications on Mac OS X via Terminal below by Mytour.
Traditional Method
Similar to the typical Terminal syntax, you can execute commands or binary files from the Terminal by entering the full path of the file. However, to do this with GUI-based OS X applications, you need to specify the executable file of the application within the application package. Refer to how to open Terminal on Mac here
In most cases, the subdirectory /Contents/MacOS/ will contain the executable file of the application. For example, to open TextEdit in the Applications folder, you use the command:
/Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/textedit
This can be useful for troubleshooting program issues because you can see the console output (errors, warnings, and other activities) directly in the Terminal window containing the program. Otherwise, you would have to use the Console utility.
Utilizing the open command
One of the most unique Terminal commands on Mac OS X is the open command, allowing users to handle files, programs, and URLs in a distinct manner. The advantage of the command is similar to directly opening applications in the traditional way from Terminal above. However, the difference is that the command is easier to use and does not require Terminal to be open while the application is running:
open -a appname
In the command above, replace 'appname' with the name of the application you want to open. Note that by default, the command executes similarly to in the Mac OS X graphical environment, opening only one instance of the application. Therefore, if the application is already open, the command will switch to that application. However, you can use the command below to open a different instance of the application by adding the '-n' flag:
open -n -a appname
Note that just like opening applications in the classic way, multiple instances of an application running simultaneously in the same account can lead to various issues with the supporting services that the application utilizes.
However, for simple programs and utilities, the command can be useful to run different instances under root privileges, to overcome permission limitations for the current user account.
So there you have it, Mytour has just guided you through 2 ways to open applications on Mac OS X using Terminal. Not only can you perform the task of opening applications, but Terminal also offers many other fantastic features. Readers can explore more about 15 Terminal tricks that Mac users should know to enhance their Terminal skills. Any contributions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below the article for Mytour. Wish you all success.
