COMMAND File – What is .command file and how to open it?

COMMAND Files: An Overview

COMMAND files, identified by the .COMMAND file extension, are native to Apple’s operating systems. They serve as scripts containing a sequence of commands to be executed by the system. These commands can automate various tasks, including launching applications, running system utilities, and setting system preferences. COMMAND files are primarily utilized in Terminal, Apple’s command-line interface, where they can be executed by typing their filename followed by the Enter key.

Structure and Execution of COMMAND Files

COMMAND files are text-based files that follow a structured format. Each line typically contains a single command, with multiple commands separated by the semicolon character (;). Comments can be added to COMMAND files using the hash mark (#), which indicates that the text following it should be ignored during execution. When a COMMAND file is executed, the system interprets the commands sequentially, executing them one by one. If any errors occur during execution, the system will display an error message and stop processing the file.

AppleScript Editor

COMMAND files, also known as Terminal Command Files, are primarily associated with AppleScript Editor, a scripting tool included in the macOS operating system. These files contain AppleScript commands that can be executed within the Terminal application. To open a COMMAND file using AppleScript Editor, simply double-click on the file or drag and drop it into the application window. AppleScript Editor will automatically parse the file and display its contents, allowing you to edit, save, and execute the commands as needed.

Terminal

Alternatively, COMMAND files can be opened directly in the Terminal application. To do this, type “open” followed by the file path in the Terminal window. For example, to open a COMMAND file named “my_commands.command” located on the Desktop, you would type the following command:


open ~/Desktop/my_commands.command


The Terminal will execute the commands contained in the COMMAND file one by one. You can observe the progress and any resulting output in the Terminal window.

AppleScript Command Files (.COMMAND)

AppleScript command files, using the .COMMAND file extension, are text files that contain AppleScript code. AppleScript is a scripting language developed by Apple to automate tasks on Macintosh computers. Command files allow users to execute AppleScript commands from the Terminal application, providing a powerful tool for scripting and automating tasks. These files typically include commands that perform specific operations, such as opening applications, moving files, or manipulating text.

By placing AppleScript commands in a command file, users can easily execute them from the Terminal by typing the file’s name followed by any necessary arguments. This simplifies the execution of complex or frequently used AppleScript commands, making it convenient to automate repetitive tasks or create custom scripts. Command files also allow users to share scripts with others, enabling collaboration and the reuse of code. To create a command file, users can simply open a text editor, write their AppleScript commands, and save the file with a .COMMAND extension.

Other Extensions