With the growing use of macOS devices in workplaces, IT admins spend hours configuring them manually and performing routine actions. The overall load of mundane IT tasks using graphical UI is enough to overwhelm your IT teams.
This is why most IT admins prefer a command line interface (CLI) to perform routine IT tasks without having to make countless clicks.
Configuring devices using CLI can also add to the IT load if the number of mac devices is enormous. This is where shell script plays a vital role in saving tremendous amounts of time and effort. macOS shell scripts are the most preferred to perform repetitive functions on multiple devices.
In this article, we will take a look at the basics of macOS shell scripts and how they can step in along with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to reduce the cognitive load on IT teams of organizations that deploy macOS.
What is a Mac Shell Script?
A macOS shell script is a set of UNIX commands used to perform system-level tasks and simplify the cognitive IT load. You run a mac shell script to perform tasks that would otherwise require you to enter commands at the command line.
With shell scripts, you can combine a series of repetitive IT tasks and perform them on multiple macOS devices at once. There are countless clicks to perform the same task on multiple employee devices. With shell scripts, you can simply run the script to perform those actions on all your targeted devices with zero clicks.
How to Create a Shell Script in Mac?
Shell scripts are essentially plain text files, which means they can be created using a variety of text editors. While you could use a basic editor like TextEdit on macOS for quick tasks, it’s not the best choice for writing scripts. Enhanced third-party editors offer features that greatly aid in script development. These include syntax highlighting for clearer code visibility, error detection, suggested fixes, autocompletion, code formatting, and the ability to execute scripts directly within the editor.
Each of these editors comes equipped with robust features, and no single one is definitively superior to the others—it really comes down to personal preference. Experiment with a few to determine which one meets your needs best. However, for anyone from beginners to seasoned system administrators, we suggest using a specialized script editor. Note that if you’re using a basic text editor, you may need to manually change the file extension from .txt to .sh or .zsh when saving your script files.
When choosing an editor, also consider the shell environment you will use. The shell is essentially the command-line interpreter that executes your script’s commands. Historically, macOS used Bash as its default shell, but starting with macOS Catalina, Apple switched to zsh (Z shell) as the default. Both shells belong to the Bourne family, so transitioning between them should not hinder your script writing. Be aware that modern versions of macOS, by default, use zshell to interpret scripts.
Why Use Mac Shell Scripts?
Mac shell scripts are powerful tools for automating tasks, managing system operations, and streamlining workflows on macOS. They allow users to execute sequences of commands, automate repetitive tasks, and efficiently handle files and processes. Shell scripts enhance productivity, ensure consistency in task execution, and can interact with the macOS environment and applications programmatically.
By using shell scripts, users can customize their computing environment, automate complex tasks, and achieve more with less effort, making them essential for developers and system administrators.
How Does Mac Shell Scripting Work?
macOS is based on UNIX, which makes it easier to run shell scripts on macOS devices than Windows 10 devices. To run a Mac shell script, you will first have to write the script in the text editor, word processor, or graphical user interface (GUI).
Then, using your mac device’s command line interface called terminal, you will need to locate the folder in which your script exists. Once located, you will need to grant permission for the script to run.
Best Practices for macOS Shell Scripting
Shell scripting can automate repetitive tasks on your Mac, saving you time and effort. Writing good Mac shell scripts is about both functionality and readability. Here are some key best practices to consider:
Choosing the Right Tools
Shell Selection: Bash, a widely used shell with abundant resources, is a great choice for beginners. Zsh provides more customization options for experienced users.
Editor Selection: While a basic text editor will suffice, consider feature-rich options like BBedit, VS Code, Vim, or Sublime Text. These editors offer syntax highlighting, error checking, and autocompletion, making the scripting process smoother.
Writing Clear and Concise Scripts
Commenting Your Code: Add comments to explain the purpose of different sections within your script. Refer to existing shell scripting style guides for commenting conventions.
Meaningful Variable Names: Use descriptive names that reflect the variable’s purpose (e.g.,number_of_file instead of x). This enhances code readability.
Error Handling and Robustness
Input Validation: Use commands like if statements to check if the script received the expected input. This helps prevent errors.
Error Checking: Use commands like exit with appropriate exit codes to indicate errors. This aids in troubleshooting issues.
Security Considerations
Cautious Use of sudo: Avoid using sudo excessively. If necessary, use sudo -S to prompt for the password securely.
Sanitizing User Input: If your script accepts user input, sanitize it to prevent security vulnerabilities like code injection
By following these best practices, you can write Mac shell scripts that are efficient, maintainable, and secure.
How to Run Shell Scripts on MacOS
What Are Terminal Commands?
Terminal commands are specific instructions or actions that you can type into a command-line interface (CLI) to interact with your computer’s operating system. These commands are used to perform various tasks such as navigating through directories, managing files, executing programs, configuring system settings, and more.
Each command typically consists of a command name followed by optional parameters or arguments that specify the exact action to be taken. The terminal processes these commands and carries out the requested operations.
Terminal commands can vary depending on the operating system you’re using. For example, on Unix-based systems like Linux and macOS, you might encounter commands like ls (list files), cd (change directory), mkdir (make directory), cp (copy files), rm (remove files), and many others. On Windows, commands might be slightly different, though many common tasks have equivalents.
Shell Scripts vs. Terminal Commands: What’s the difference?
Shell scripts and terminal commands both interact with the computer’s operating system via a shell, but they serve different purposes. Terminal commands are single instructions executed in real-time in a command-line interface, used for immediate tasks like file manipulation. Shell scripts, however, are files containing a series of commands that are executed as a program, allowing for complex operations, automation of tasks, and repetitive procedures to be run without manual input for each command.
What are Shells?
A shell functions as a unique command-line interpreter, enabling interaction with the system’s kernel via command execution. In essence, it processes your textual commands, translates them into a programming language, and communicates them to the operating system for execution.
The default shell on a mac varies based on the macOS version installed. For macOS Mojave and versions prior, bash (Bourne-again Shell) is the standard shell. Conversely, starting with macOS Catalina and for subsequent versions, zsh (Z shell) becomes the default shell.
Bash Scripts vs. Zsh Scripts: Understanding the Difference
Bash and zsh belong to the Bourne shell family, sharing many core functionalities. Nonetheless, there are slight distinctions between the two shells. Bash scripts belong to the Bourne family of shells and are written in the bash programming language. Previously, bash was the default shell for macOS. It is fairly simple to run and is generally used for system administration, automated backups, web application deployment, etc. After the introduction of Catalina, Apple changed its default shell from bash to zsh (z shell). Zshell is an extended version of the Bourne family of shells and offers improved features, themes, and plugins.
Additionally, bash enjoys broader adoption among IT administrators, boasting extensive resources and support documentation, making it an excellent choice for novices. Whereas zsh is recognized for its extensibility, robust customization options, and distinctive features. Thus, selecting the appropriate shell is largely influenced by individual user preferences.
What are the Advantages of Mac Shell Scripts?
1. Saves Time
The prime advantage of Mac shell scripting is that you do not have to spend time performing the same set of tasks repeatedly. Running a shell script is a one-time execution that results in outputs on multiple devices at once.
2. More Accuracy
macOS shell scripts are a combination of several commands that can run on multiple systems at once. This negates the chance of human errors involved in running commands on multiple devices manually.
3. Easy and Efficient
Writing a shell script requires less time than other programming languages, and it uses the same syntax as the command line, minimizing interpretation issues.
| Learn about creating and executing macOS shell scripts. |
What Are the Challenges of Mac Shell Scripting?
Although macOS shell scripting takes a massive load off IT admins, it also produces a new set of challenges for enterprises. Here are a few of them:
1. Monitoring Status
Organizing a variety of shell scripts to be executed on a large fleet of mac devices can be a tedious task. It isn’t a cakewalk to keep a tab of various scripts and their execution statuses.
2. Ensuring Quality
Ensuring scripts are correctly coded prior to pushing them on mac devices requires extensive testing that takes immense time and effort.
3. Maintaining Accuracy
Different scripts have different purposes and are meant to run at various levels. It’s important to ensure the permissions granted are accurate for them to run successfully at a system or user level.
Common Mac Shell Scripting Terms
Upon selecting the appropriate shell, it is essential to initiate scripting. However, understanding the essential programming terminology used in development and documentation is crucial for effective communication among developers. Let’s examine some key terms and expressions.
1. What are Variables?
Variables are designated names for memory locations where values can be stored, accessed, and modified. This concept is a fundamental part of nearly all programming languages, including shell scripting environments.
2. What are Arguments?
A command-line argument is a parameter that can be supplied to a Bash script at runtime. This feature enables users to modify the behavior or output of a script dynamically. To provide an argument to your Bash script, just enter the arguments following the script’s name while executing the script.
3. What are Conditionals?
In programming languages, conditional statements serve as the backbone for decision-making processes, allowing for the redirection of a program’s execution flow. Shell programming specifically utilizes up to five distinct conditional statements to facilitate this control mechanism. The five types are: if conditional, if-else conditional, if-elif-else conditional, if-then-else-if-then conditional, and switch conditional.
4. What are Wildcards?
A wildcard character serves as a placeholder for a range of characters, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of search operations by allowing broader search criteria. Primary wildcards on bash are asterisk (*), question mark (?), and bracketed (“).
Deploying Shell Scripts with Scalefusion MDM
macOS shell scripts play a vital role in reducing IT load and simplifying the administration of mac devices. To further enhance the management of mac devices, Scalefusion macOS MDM allows IT admins to upload shell script files onto the MDM dashboard and then run them on tens and thousands of devices remotely.
All you need is a Scalefusion account, a mac device profile, mac devices with version 10.14 and above and enrolled with Scalefusion MDM, and the Scalefusion client installed on your mac devices.
With Scalefusion, you can;
- Upload the macOS app via Scalefusion’s Enterprise Store
- Upload the macOS shell script
- Select the macOS device profile to which you want to publish the script.
You can also view the script uploading status and delete or uninstall shell scripts based on your needs. Scalefusion helps execute your shell scripts on multiple mac devices in a reduced span to optimize your remote device management.
Closing Lines
Managing mac devices doesn’t have to be a complicated and tedious task. All you need to do is identify solutions that fit your needs.
If you are spending excessive time managing your mac devices, it is time to implement an MDM solution like Scalefusion, which lets you use macOS shell scripts to your benefit. Book a demo with our experts to explore more, or sign up for a 14-day free trial.
FAQs
1. What is a macOS Shell Script?
A macOS shell is a command-line interface where users can interact with their computer using text commands. It allows for tasks such as file manipulation, program execution, and system configuration. Common macOS shells include Bash, Zsh, and Fish.
2. Is macOS a Bash shell?
macOS originally used Bash as its default shell, but since macOS Catalina (version 10.15, released in October 2019), the default shell has been changed to Zsh (Z shell). Users can still access Bash and other shells like Fish or tcsh by changing their default shell settings.
3. What shell comes with macOS?
macOS comes with the Terminal app, which uses the Bash shell by default in versions up to and including macOS Mojave (10.14). From macOS Catalina (10.15) onwards, the default shell was changed to Zsh (Z shell), offering enhanced features and improved script compatibility.
4. What are the benefits of using mac shell scripts?
Mac shell scripts enable the automation of repetitive tasks. They offer customization to tailor workflows. Scripts provide efficiency by swiftly executing commands. They allow integration with macOS features. Finally, they offer portability, easy sharing, and running on any Mac.
5. What are some common use cases for shell scripts?
Shell scripts are commonly used for file management, such as renaming and organizing files. They are also valuable for system administration, including configuration and software installation. Furthermore, they facilitate data manipulation, like processing text and extracting information, and can even be used for basic web scraping.
