Install from Terminal

[Independent147]

Hi, I've just begun "playing" with Terminal, and I was wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to install packages from terminal. Just a little "get to know it" kind of thing...

 

[angelwatt]

The hdid command can be used to mount DMG files. Then you can also use the installer command for pkg files. Use the man command to find further details on these commands.

 

[Slux]

There is also an application out there called "macports" that allows Linux-like package management in OS X, with a repository of open source software. I havent played with it much further than installing Wine though, so I can't really tell you much about it.

 

[Zortrium]

MacPorts will basically let you easily install anything that you want to run from the command line. Doesn't do much with GUI apps though.

 

[mac2x]

Hi, I've just begun "playing" with Terminal, and I was wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to install packages from terminal. Just a little "get to know it" kind of thing...

I always like hearing about a user who wants to learn the command line...it's what separates the real geeks from the wannabes. 😀

Just use common sense, and NEVER EVER run a command you do not understand. You can easily access the manual like so:

$ man [command here]

That will display a handy page detailing exactly what the command does, as well as any optional flags that can be appended. Simply press Q to exit the help.

Some resources I have used:

http://www.hypexr.org/bash_tutorial.php
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-bash.html
http://ss64.com/osx/
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~rc/help/faq/permissions.html

Enjoy! 🙂

 

[BlueRevolution]

Just use common sense, and NEVER EVER run a command you do not understand.

Especially if someone on the internet tells you to do it.

Simply press Q to exit the help.

An excellent tip. When I first started messing around with the command line, I didn't know how to close help, as the usual way (^C) doesn't work. I had to close the terminal window every time.

 

[Independent147]

Thank You

Thank you to all of you, I'll take the advice hand in hand with the warnings. It honestly took me quite a while to figure out that quitting man was q. I had been trying to find these commands from a mix of searching the internet and using the trick in terminal where you hold escape and then enter y at the prompt, followed by looking any potential commands up using man. That was relatively unsuccessful thanks to there being over 1400 listed commands 😀

I might be using this board again in the future (as I have in the past), and maybe I'll start offering advice to others on how to perform what they are asking.

In any case, I thank all of you and wish you luck in your computing endeavors!