How to use the command 'drutil' (with examples)

The drutil command in macOS is a versatile utility that facilitates interaction with DVD burners. Whether you’re looking to eject a disk, burn data onto a DVD, or manage disk images, drutil offers a range of functionalities that cater to these needs. It is especially useful for users who prefer using the command line to manage optical media.

Use case 1: Eject a disk from the drive

Code:

drutil eject

Motivation:

The primary motivation for using the drutil eject command is to streamline the process of ejecting a disk from your computer’s drive. In scenarios where the disk is not easily accessible through the Finder or when the disk is stuck, utilizing a command line approach can prove to be convenient and efficient. It’s particularly useful for automating scripts where ejecting a disk might be part of a larger sequence of automated tasks.

Explanation:

• drutil: This is the command-line utility used for interacting with DVD devices on macOS. It provides various subcommands including ejecting, burning, and verifying optical discs.
• eject: This argument specifically instructs drutil to eject the currently inserted disk. When this command is executed, the drive is signaled to physically push the disk out, effectively making it retrievable from the drive slot.

Example Output:

Trying to eject drive '/dev/disk2'... Done.

This output indicates that the utility attempted to eject the disk from the specified drive, and it successfully completed the task.

Use case 2: Burn a directory as an ISO9660 filesystem onto a DVD. Don’t verify and eject when complete

Code:

drutil burn -noverify -eject -iso9660

Motivation:

This command is used when you need to burn data onto a DVD quickly and efficiently, without the additional step of verification, which can save time. It’s ideal when the focus is on speed, such as when producing multiple copies in a short period or when working with redundant backups where integrity checks are managed by other means. Additionally, the command automatically ejects the disk post-burning, further streamlining the process, especially useful in unattended operations.

Explanation:

• drutil: This is the foundational command that allows users to control and interact with the DVD drive.
• burn: This subcommand is used to write data to a DVD.
• -noverify: This option skips the verification process post-burn. Verification is commonly used to ensure that the data on the disk matches the source data. By bypassing this step, the process is expedited.
• -eject: This flag commands the optical drive to automatically eject the disk once the burning process is completed. This is particularly advantageous for workflows that require minimal manual intervention.
• -iso9660: This specifies the file system type to be used on the DVD. ISO9660 is a standard file system for optical disc media, ensuring compatibility with various systems and devices.

Example Output:

Starting burn on device /dev/disk2... 
Burning ...
Finishing up...
Burn complete. 
Ejecting media.

This output reflects the process of burning data to a DVD, showing the progression from start to finish, and ultimately confirming the successful ejection of the disk.

Conclusion:

The drutil command is a powerful tool for managing optical media on macOS. Whether you need to perform simple tasks like ejecting disks or more complex operations such as burning data, drutil provides a command-line alternative that is both efficient and effective. The two examples provided illustrate common use cases where drutil can enhance productivity and streamline workflows by leveraging its robust set of functionalities.