mkfile - macOS

Overview

mkfile is a macOS command used to create a new file with specified content. It’s a simple yet effective way to quickly create files with predefined text or data without relying on other text editors or scripts.

Syntax

mkfile [-h] [-d DIR] [-f] [-i] [-s SUFFIX] [-t TYPE] [-v] FILE...

Options/Flags

  • -h, –help: Display usage information.
  • -d, –directory DIR: Create the file in the specified directory (default: current directory).
  • -f, –force: Overwrite existing file without confirmation.
  • -i, –interactive: Prompt for confirmation before overwriting existing file.
  • -s, –suffix SUFFIX: Specify the suffix (extension) for the new file.
  • -t, –type TYPE: Set the file type (e.g., text, binary, symbolic link).
  • -v, –verbose: Display more detailed output.

Examples

Create a new empty file:

mkfile myfile

Create a file with specific content:

mkfile -t text myfile <<< "Hello, world!"

Create a new file in a different directory:

mkfile -d /tmp myfile

Common Issues

  • Permission Denied: Ensure you have write permissions in the specified directory.
  • File Already Exists: Use the -f or -i option to overwrite or prompt for confirmation.

Integration

Combine with touch to create empty files:

touch foo; mkfile foo -t text <<< "My Content"

Create multiple files in a loop:

for i in {1..10}; do mkfile -f temp$i; done
  • touch: Create an empty file.
  • cp: Copy a file.
  • mv: Move a file.