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dscacheutil MacOS command

The MacOS dscacheutil command allows users to manage the Directory Service cache, which stores information about network services and users. By using dscacheutil, users can flush the cache, display cache statistics, clear specific caches, and more. This powerful command provides flexibility in managing cached data, helping users troubleshoot network-related issues and improve system performance. Familiarize yourself with the dscacheutil command to efficiently manage the Directory Service cache on your MacOS device.

dscacheutil Syntax:

Terminal window
dscacheutil [command] [options] [parameters]

Options:

OptionDescription
-flushcacheFlush the directory service cache.
-statisticsDisplay cache statistics.
-configurationDisplay the current configuration.
-resetReset specific caches.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
-flushcacheFlush the directory service cache.
-configurationDisplays the current configuration.
-statisticsDisplay cache statistics.
-reset Reset specific caches.

dscacheutil bash Examples:

Flush DNS Cache

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache

Clears the DNS cache on MacOS, which can resolve certain network issues.

Display DNS Cache Statistics

Terminal window
dscacheutil -statistics

Shows statistics related to the DNS cache on MacOS, providing insights into cache size and effectiveness.

View DNS Cache Content

Terminal window
dscacheutil -cachedump

Displays the content of the DNS cache, showing the current cache entries.

Flush Local Hosts Cache

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache -hosts

Clears the hosts cache specifically, which can be useful for resolving host-related networking problems.

Display Information About DNS Configuration

Terminal window
dscacheutil -configuration

Shows detailed information about the DNS configuration on the MacOS system.

Reset Specific Outdated Cache Entry

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache -entry www.example.com

Clears the cache entry for a specific domain like www.example.com, useful for dealing with outdated DNS records.

How do I use dscacheutil in MacOS?

To use the dscacheutil command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -q host -a name example.com

What is the purpose of dscacheutil in MacOS?

The dscacheutil command in MacOS is used to query and flush the Directory Service cache.

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache

How can I query information about a specific host using dscacheutil in MacOS?

You can query information about a specific host using dscacheutil in MacOS by running the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -q host -a name example.com

How do I flush the Directory Service cache with dscacheutil in MacOS?

To flush the Directory Service cache using dscacheutil in MacOS, use the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache

Can I check the local cache of users and groups with dscacheutil in MacOS?

Yes, you can check the local cache of users and groups using dscacheutil in MacOS with the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -q user

How can I clear the user and group cache with dscacheutil in MacOS?

To clear the user and group cache using dscacheutil in MacOS, run the following command:

Terminal window
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Is it possible to reset the entire Directory Service cache in MacOS using dscacheutil?

Yes, you can reset the entire Directory Service cache in MacOS using dscacheutil with the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -flushcache

How do I display the Directory Service statistics with dscacheutil in MacOS?

To display the Directory Service statistics using dscacheutil in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
dscacheutil -statistics

Applications of the dscacheutil command

  • Flushing the DNS cache
  • Displaying cache statistics
  • Clearing the local DNS cache
  • Managing Directory Service cache