Clear DNS cache without sudo command?

[gogreen1]

I want to create an executable file for my desktop with a command to clear the DNS cache. I can create the executable file just fine, but a sudo command, of course, requires an administrative password. Is there a different command I can use to clear the DNS cache that doesn't require a password? Thanks.

 

[MC6800]

The setuid bit is the usual way to do this, but it won't work on a shell script if that's what you have.

 

[gogreen1]

The setuid bit is the usual way to do this, but it won't work on a shell script if that's what you have.

Thanks, MC6800, but this is far beyond my capability. I think I'm going to just live with clearing the cache occasionally manually.

 

[rmpbklyn]

create a command file with the syntax mentioned here http://osxdaily.com/2017/03/08/clear-dns-cache-macos-sierra/
then go to finder and send a shortcut to the desktop (right click create alias in finder) , you will then be able to click to execute

 

[gogreen1]

But the sudo command requires a password, right? That's what I'm trying to avoid.

 

[Southern_Vet]

sudo vi /etc/sudoers

change the line:

%admin ALL = (ALL) ALL

to

%admin ALL = (ALL) ALL NOPASSWD: ALL

start a new shell.

Horrible security but it's obvious you don't care.

 

[chscag]

Just download the free "OnyX" app and run it in auto mode. One of its functions is to clear caches. It's a safe app and is currently updated to support High Sierra. Make sure you download the version that's for the version of macOS you're using.

 

[KALLT]

sudo vi /etc/sudoers

change the line:

%admin ALL = (ALL) ALL

to

%admin ALL = (ALL) ALL NOPASSWD: ALL

start a new shell.

Horrible security but it's obvious you don't care.

It goes without saying that this would be very bad.

You can also just specify a command directly, e.g.

%admin    ALL = NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Then any admin can just use:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Without having to enter a password, but only for this specific command and only with these parameters. This could of course be further restricted, e.g. by user name.

 

[gogreen1]

Thanks, KALLT. What about the spacing on that first code?

 

[hobowankenobi]

Just curious...

What problem are you trying to solve by deleting DNS often?

 

[gogreen1]

I don't clear the DNS cache often. I just want to be able to automate the task.

 

[hobowankenobi]

OK.

Just wondering why...if you don't do it that often. I made the assumption the drive for automation was because you do it often.

I second the vote for Oynx. Lots of other handy, occasional-use house cleaning tools.

 

[gogreen1]

Yup. Thank you, hobowankenobi and chscag. Onyx is the way to go for what I want to do.