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installer command in MacOS

The installer command in MacOS is a powerful tool used to install, update, and manage packages on your system. It provides a way to easily add and remove software, as well as handle package dependencies. By using various flags and options, you can customize the installation process to suit your needs. The installer command is a versatile tool that can streamline package management tasks on your MacOS system.

Terminal window
installer -pkg package_path -target target_volume
OptionDescription
-pkgSpecify the path to the package to be installed.
-targetSpecify the target volume on which to install the package.
ParameterDescription
package_pathPath to the package file to be installed.
target_volumeThe volume on which to install the package.
Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package.pkg -target /

Installs a package onto the root volume of the target system.

Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package.pkg -target / -verify

Verifies the contents of a package installed on the root volume of the target system.

Terminal window
installer -list

Lists all packages installed on the system.

Terminal window
installer -showChoiceChangesXML

Displays the XML-formatted installation details for the current installation session.

Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package.pkg -target / -allowUntrusted -applyChoiceChangesXML /path/to/choice_changes.xml

Installs a signed package, allowing untrusted packages, and applies choice changes specified in a XML file.

Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package.pkg -target /path/to/target_directory/

Installs a package into a specified target directory.

Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package.pkg -target /Volumes/External

Specifies the target volume where the package should be installed.

Terminal window
installer -pkg /path/to/package1.pkg -pkg /path/to/package2.pkg -target /

Installs multiple packages onto the root volume of the target system.

To use the installer command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
installer --pkg <package_path> --target /

How do I uninstall a package using installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I uninstall a package using installer in MacOS?”

To uninstall a package using the installer command in MacOS, use the following command:

Terminal window
sudo installer -pkg <package_path> -target /

What option can I use to display verbose output with installer in MacOS?

Section titled “What option can I use to display verbose output with installer in MacOS?”

To display verbose output when using the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -verbose option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -target / -verbose

How can I list the contents of a package without installing it using installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I list the contents of a package without installing it using installer in MacOS?”

To list the contents of a package without installing it with the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -query option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -query

How do I install a package quietly with installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I install a package quietly with installer in MacOS?”

To install a package quietly (without displaying progress) using the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -pkg and -target options. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -target / -quiet

How can I check the version of a package using installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I check the version of a package using installer in MacOS?”

To check the version of a package using the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -pkg and -pkg-info options. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -pkg-info

How do I install a package on a specific volume using installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I install a package on a specific volume using installer in MacOS?”

To install a package on a specific volume using the installer command in MacOS, you can specify the target volume with the -target option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -target /Volumes/<volume_name>

How can I install a package without prompting for confirmation with installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I install a package without prompting for confirmation with installer in MacOS?”

To install a package without prompting for confirmation using the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -pkg and -target options along with the -allowUntrusted option. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -target / -allowUntrusted

How do I force a package installation using installer in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I force a package installation using installer in MacOS?”

To force a package installation using the installer command in MacOS, you can use the -pkg and -target options along with the -allowUntrusted and -allow-downgrades options. Here’s an example:

Terminal window
installer -pkg <package_path> -target / -allowUntrusted -allow-downgrades
  • Install packages or components
  • List installed packages
  • Remove installed packages
  • Verify package installations
  • Restore system packages to default configuration
  • Extract package contents