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Install log or similar for applications?
- Thread starter suprhb
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For most apps in Mac OS X, the only file created is the .app itself, since all the files the app needs are bundled with it. That makes installation/removal of apps a much simpler process with Mac OS X than with Windows. To install, drag the .app file to your Applications folder. To uninstall, drag the .app file to the Trash. It's that simple!
Some apps will create a .plist file that contains user preferences. These take up very little room and have no function if the app is removed. In most cases, you don't need to worry about files getting scattered all over your Mac during installation.
If the app doesn't have it's own uninstall package, you can use apps like AppCleaner or
AppZapper to remove the app and all the files associated with it.
Is there something in particular you're looking for?
Some apps will create a .plist file that contains user preferences. These take up very little room and have no function if the app is removed. In most cases, you don't need to worry about files getting scattered all over your Mac during installation.
If the app doesn't have it's own uninstall package, you can use apps like AppCleaner or
AppZapper to remove the app and all the files associated with it.
Is there something in particular you're looking for?
Thank for the reply.
Yes, most apps just have the app file. However there are some which create config files and other misc files elsewhere. Usually bigger applications.
What app are you talking about? It would help to know exactly what you're looking for.
It is just a general question for all applications, not one in particular.
I've checked around in system log files but haven't found what I was looking for.
An example would be the Google Chrome browser. It has the .app file and also creates config files in another location.
I've checked around in system log files but haven't found what I was looking for.
An example would be the Google Chrome browser. It has the .app file and also creates config files in another location.
No, Chrome only installs a .plist, as I explained before. If you use AppCleaner, it will locate all the files associated with any app. Just drag the .app file to the AppCleaner window and AppCleaner will tell you all the files that are installed that are associated with that app. You don't have to uninstall the app to see the associated files.
I see those now. The cache folder and the history/cookies/themes/dictionaries. Good to know AppCleaner misses those.
After doing some testing, both AppCleaner and AppZapper leave the Library files/folders behind. I'm guessing they don't search system files, in the same way Finder/Spotlight won't search system files, unless specifically directed to do so. To answer your question, there doesn't appear to be any application that will identify or delete all the files/folders, including system files/folders, that are created by an application. Like you, if there is, I'd like to know about it.
Uninstalling Applications in Mac OS X - Mac Guides
Uninstalling Applications in Mac OS X - Mac Guides
There is nothing to create a log when you are simply dragging .apps into /Applications.
Chrome creates those files, like com.google.Chrome.plist on first run.
Now, during a package installation you can do the following, when the Installer window is up.
File --> Show Files , Command + I
This will show you the files that will be installed and where. You can search for specific files
Window --> Installer Log, Command + L
This is the log of what Installer is doing. From this window you can Save, Print, and Send to Apple. You can also search.
This is only for packages created with PackageMaker, I am sure VISE has equivalents.
Chrome creates those files, like com.google.Chrome.plist on first run.
Now, during a package installation you can do the following, when the Installer window is up.
File --> Show Files , Command + I
This will show you the files that will be installed and where. You can search for specific files
Window --> Installer Log, Command + L
This is the log of what Installer is doing. From this window you can Save, Print, and Send to Apple. You can also search.
This is only for packages created with PackageMaker, I am sure VISE has equivalents.