OS 10.5 - Launching apps from terminal (like linux?)

systix · systix #1 (**permalink**)

02-19-2009, 03:25 PM

One of the things I miss in OS X compared to linux (ubuntu) is the ability to easily launch applications from the terminal, with or with out parameters to open files in that application.

Eg if i wanted to edit a document on linux I would type

Code:

gedit ~/files/example.txt

In OS X I dont seem to be able to do this, is there a way?
I know I can add an alias entry for each program to just run it like below:

Code:

alias tx 'open /Applications/TextEdit.app/'

but what happens if i want to open a file with this application as I know the command is different (using the -a option).

Is there any way to get OS X to work like linux in this way?

thanks.

MacsWork · MacsWork #2 (**permalink**)

02-19-2009, 04:06 PM

open /Applications/TextEdit.app ~/File.txt

Assuming there is File.txt in the root of your home directory

technologist · technologist #3 (**permalink**)

02-20-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacsWork

open /Applications/TextEdit.app ~/File.txt

or just

Code:

open ~/File.txt

(to open it with whatever the default application is for that file)

systix #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 09, 2008 Posts: 19	02-19-2009, 03:25 PM One of the things I miss in OS X compared to linux (ubuntu) is the ability to easily launch applications from the terminal, with or with out parameters to open files in that application. Eg if i wanted to edit a document on linux I would type Code: gedit ~/files/example.txt In OS X I dont seem to be able to do this, is there a way? I know I can add an alias entry for each program to just run it like below: Code: alias tx 'open /Applications/TextEdit.app/' but what happens if i want to open a file with this application as I know the command is different (using the -a option). Is there any way to get OS X to work like linux in this way? thanks.
	QUOTE Thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Linux	crazychristian	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	3	08-25-2008 07:55 PM
Linux Dual boot on 1.25 Ghz G4 Emac 1gb RAM	TxNoob	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	1	06-22-2008 01:22 AM
What is your opinion on the future of Linux and the Mac?	RickR	Schweb's Lounge	17	05-09-2008 05:47 AM
Looking to try out Linux on my Dell	CharlesP2001	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	9	03-13-2006 09:28 AM
The mysterious Terminal	Kokopelli	OS X - Operating System	2	03-05-2006 08:23 AM

OS 10.5 - Launching apps from terminal (like linux?)

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

MacsWork #2 (permalink)
Member Since: May 22, 2005 Location: Closer than you think. Posts: 2,074 Mac Specs: Performa 6116 2GBSCSI 8MB OS 7.5.3	02-19-2009, 04:06 PM open /Applications/TextEdit.app ~/File.txt Assuming there is File.txt in the root of your home directory
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)