install MacOS Command Guide

The MacOS install command is a powerful tool that allows you to copy files while preserving their permissions. By using this command, you can easily transfer files to different locations on your system without losing any essential attributes. Additionally, you can also set ownership and permissions for the copied files, ensuring that they have the necessary access levels. This can be especially useful when you need to install or update software packages, as it allows you to manage files efficiently. Overall, the MacOS install command is a versatile and essential tool for handling file operations on your MacOS system.

install Syntax:

install [option] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
-c	Check if the installation is possible without actually installing anything.
-f	Force installation even if conflicting files exist.
-v	Verbose mode, display detailed information during installation.
-h	Display help information on how to use the install command.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
file_name1	The name of the file or directory to be installed.
file_name2	Another file or directory to be installed.
…	Additional file names as needed for installation.

Caution

Exercise caution while using the install command, as it can potentially overwrite existing files during installation without confirmation.

install Command Samples:

Install a Package Using Homebrew

brew install packageName

Installs a package named “packageName” using Homebrew package manager.

Install a Package from the App Store

mas install appID

Installs an application from the App Store using the app’s unique identifier “appID”.

Install a Node Package Globally

npm install -g packageName

Installs a Node package globally using npm package manager.

Install a Package with APT

sudo apt install packageName

Installs a package named “packageName” using Advanced Package Tool (APT) on Debian-based systems.

Install a Python Package with pip

pip install packageName

Installs a Python package named “packageName” using pip package manager.

Install a Package with YUM

sudo yum install packageName

Installs a package named “packageName” using Yellowdog Updater, Modified (YUM) package manager on Red Hat-based systems.

Install an Application from a DMG File

hdiutil attach /path/to/application.dmg
cd /Volumes/ApplicationName
cp -r ApplicationName.app /Applications/
hdiutil detach /Volumes/ApplicationName

Installs an application from a DMG file by mounting it, copying it to the Applications folder, and detaching the DMG.

Tip

When using the install command in MacOS, make sure to have the necessary permissions to write to the target directory and carefully specify the options and arguments to avoid overwriting important files unintentionally.

How do I use install in MacOS?

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

install file /path/to/directory

What are some common options for the install command in MacOS?

Some common options for the install command in MacOS include specifying the permissions for the installed file using the -m flag and preserving the timestamp of the original file with the -p flag. For example:

install -m 644 -p file /path/to/directory

How can I overwrite existing files with the install command in MacOS?

To overwrite existing files when using the install command in MacOS, you can force the operation with the -C flag. For example:

install -C file /path/to/directory

How do I use the verbose mode with the install command in MacOS?

To display detailed information about the installation process while using the install command in MacOS, you can enable verbose mode by using the -v flag. For example:

install -v file /path/to/directory

Can I install multiple files at once with the install command in MacOS?

Yes, you can install multiple files at once with the install command in MacOS by specifying all the files as arguments after the options. For example:

install file1 file2 /path/to/directory

Is there a way to create directories if they do not exist with the install command in MacOS?

Yes, you can create directories if they do not already exist by using the -d flag with the install command in MacOS. For example:

install -d file /new/directory/path

Applications of the install command

• Creating a bootable macOS installer on a USB drive
• Upgrading macOS on multiple Mac computers
• Reinstalling macOS on a Mac
• Troubleshooting and repairing macOS installations
• Installing macOS on an external drive for testing purposes