CLI Apps When /usr/local/bin Hasn't Been Created Yet

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Introduction

When developing and deploying command-line interface (CLI) applications, it's essential to consider the environment in which they will be installed. One common issue that can arise is when the /usr/local/bin directory hasn't been created yet, which can prevent the installation of CLI apps. In this article, we'll explore this issue, its implications, and how to resolve it.

Describe the Bug

When testing inside a virtual machine (VM), I discovered that macOS doesn't create the /usr/local/bin directory by default. Instead, only the /usr/local directory is created. This can lead to issues when installing CLI apps, as the installation process relies on the presence of /usr/local/bin to create a symlink to the app's executable.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Create a CLI App Using Briefcase: Start by creating a CLI app using Briefcase, a tool for creating installers for Python applications. Briefcase provides a simple and efficient way to package and distribute Python apps.
  2. Build an Installer: Once you've created your CLI app, build an installer using Briefcase. This will generate a package that can be installed on a target machine.
  3. Run the Installer on a Machine Without /usr/local/bin: On a machine that doesn't have the /usr/local/bin directory (e.g., a VM running the latest macOS version), run the installer. This will simulate the scenario where /usr/local/bin hasn't been created yet.

Expected Behavior

When the installer runs on a machine without /usr/local/bin, the expected behavior is that the /usr/local/bin/app-name directory will be created as a symlink to /Library/app-name/app-name.app/Contents/MacOS/app-name. This ensures that the CLI app is installed correctly and can be executed from the command line.

Screenshots

Unfortunately, there are no screenshots to provide, as this issue is related to the installation process and doesn't produce any visual output.

Environment

The environment in which this issue was encountered is as follows:

  • Operating System: macOS 15.4.1
  • Python Version: 3.13
  • Software Versions:
    • Briefcase: 0.3.23

Logs

There is no interesting output in the logs related to this issue.

Additional Context

No additional context is available for this issue.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve this issue, you can take the following steps:

  1. Create the /usr/local/bin Directory: Before running the installer, create the /usr/local/bin directory manually. This will ensure that the installation process can create the symlink correctly.
  2. Modify the Installer Script: If you're using a custom installer script, modify it to create the /usr/local/bin directory if it doesn't exist. This can be done using a simple mkdir command.
  3. Use a Different Installation Directory: If you're unable to create the /usr/local/bin directory, consider using a different installation directory for your CLI app. This can be done by modifying the install script to use a different directory, such as /usr/local/myapp.

By following these steps, you can resolve the issue of /usr/local/bin not being created yet and ensure that your CLI app is installed correctly.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of /usr/local/bin not being created yet, which can prevent the installation of command-line interface (CLI) apps. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What is the purpose of the /usr/local/bin directory?

A: The /usr/local/bin directory is a standard location for installing executable files on macOS. It's used to store symlinks to the actual executable files, which are typically located in the app's bundle directory.

Q: Why doesn't macOS create the /usr/local/bin directory by default?

A: macOS doesn't create the /usr/local/bin directory by default because it's not a required directory for the operating system to function. However, many third-party apps, including CLI apps, rely on this directory to install their executables.

Q: How can I create the /usr/local/bin directory manually?

A: You can create the /usr/local/bin directory manually using the mkdir command in the Terminal. For example:

sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/bin

Q: What happens if I don't create the /usr/local/bin directory?

A: If you don't create the /usr/local/bin directory, the installation of your CLI app may fail, or the app may not be executable from the command line.

Q: Can I use a different installation directory for my CLI app?

A: Yes, you can use a different installation directory for your CLI app. However, you'll need to modify the install script to use the new directory. For example:

sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/myapp
sudo ln -s /Library/myapp/myapp.app/Contents/MacOS/myapp /usr/local/myapp/myapp

Q: How can I troubleshoot issues related to the /usr/local/bin directory?

A: To troubleshoot issues related to the /usr/local/bin directory, you can check the following:

  • Make sure the /usr/local/bin directory exists and is writable.
  • Check the permissions of the /usr/local/bin directory and its contents.
  • Verify that the install script is creating the symlink correctly.
  • Check the logs for any errors related to the installation process.

Q: Can I automate the creation of the /usr/local/bin directory?

A: Yes, you can automate the creation of the /usr/local/bin directory by modifying the install script to create the directory if it doesn't exist. For example:

if [ ! -d "/usr/local/bin" ]; then
  sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/bin
fi

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of /usr/local/bin not being created yet can be resolved by creating the directory manually or modifying the install script to use a different installation directory. By understanding the purpose of the /usr/local/bin directory and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure that your app is installed correctly and can be executed from the command line.