Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Mac Apps via Terminal
Key Notes
- Use Terminal to update macOS and App Store apps for efficiency.
- Understand and utilize the softwareupdate tool and flags.
- Install the mas utility via Homebrew for managing App Store updates.
Streamline Your Mac Updates with Terminal Commands
For Mac users, updating applications can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when managing multiple devices. This guide will introduce you to using Terminal commands for a more efficient update process, allowing you to control updates for both macOS and the Mac App Store directly from the command line.
Efficiently Install macOS Updates via Terminal
Step 1: List Available Updates
Open the Terminal application by navigating to Applications ➔ Utilities. Enter the command softwareupdate -l to view all available updates. The Terminal will display any updates ready for installation.
Pro Tip: Use sudo softwareupdate -l for comprehensive visibility if you have admin privileges.
Step 2: Install All Available Updates
To install all available updates, run sudo softwareupdate -ia --verbose. This command requires your administrator password and will showcase the progress of each update during installation.
Pro Tip: If you want to install specific updates, use softwareupdate -i [update_name] instead.
Comprehending Softwareupdate Flags
Boost your update efficiency by understanding various flags for the softwareupdate tool:
--verbose: Provides real-time updates on installation progress.-i: Initiates the installation of specified updates.-a: Installs all available updates.-r: Installs only recommended updates.-h: Displays help information for available commands.- Use
softwareupdate -i [package name]for targeted installations. --ignore: Prevent specific updates from appearing in the future.
Update Mac App Store Apps with Terminal
macOS does not natively include a command line option for updating App Store apps. However, you can leverage Dmitry Rodionov’s mas utility to enhance your Terminal capabilities.
Step 1: Install the MAS Utility via Homebrew
Launch Terminal and install Homebrew if you don’t have it by entering:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Once installed, type brew install mas to set up the mas utility. Verify the successful installation by typing mas.
Step 2: Execute MAS Commands to Update Apps
You can view all installed applications using mas list or check for updates with mas outdated. For a full update of all outdated apps, simply run mas upgrade.
Pro Tip: Consider running mas outdated regularly to keep track of pending updates!
Summary
This guide walks you through updating your Mac’s applications efficiently using Terminal commands. By employing the softwareupdate tool for macOS updates and the mas utility for App Store apps, you can save time managing updates across multiple devices and gain more control over the process.
Conclusion
Utilizing Terminal commands to update applications on Mac is a powerful method that enhances your efficiency, especially for IT professionals managing several Macs. Master these command-line tools and simplify your software management tasks.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I update individual apps using Terminal?
Yes, you can update specific apps by using the softwareupdate -i [package name] command.
Is it safe to use Terminal commands for updates?
Yes, using Terminal commands is a safe and effective method for managing updates as long as you understand each command’s purpose.