Mastering the 'm' Command for macOS (with examples)

The ’m’ command for macOS, often referred to as a Swiss Army Knife, offers a range of utilities designed to simplify the macOS user experience. It provides a command-line interface to manage various system settings and services, making it an invaluable tool for both casual and power users of macOS. By using ’m’, users can effortlessly execute system tasks that would otherwise require navigating through multiple system menus and settings.

Use case 1: Get the Battery Status

Code:

m battery status

Motivation:

Understanding the current battery status of your MacBook is crucial, especially when you’re working remotely or on-the-go. The battery status provides insights into your device’s current charge level, helping you plan usage time more effectively and avoid unexpected shutdowns. This command allows users to quickly check battery health and charge status without having to dig through the graphical user interface.

Explanation:

• m: The command-line interface for different macOS utilities.
• battery: Specifies that the command relates to battery-related operations.
• status: Requests the current status of the battery including percentage, charging state, and health condition.

Example output:

Battery Health: Normal
Current Charge: 78%
Charging: Yes

Use case 2: Turn off Bluetooth

Code:

m bluetooth off

Motivation:

There are several reasons why someone might want to turn off Bluetooth, such as conserving battery life or improving security by minimizing connectivity options, especially in public areas. Additionally, disabling Bluetooth can help resolve connectivity issues when attempting to re-pair devices. This command lets you disable Bluetooth swiftly without navigating through system preferences.

Explanation:

• m: The macOS command-line tool.
• bluetooth: Identifies commands related to the Bluetooth function.
• off: Specifies the action to disable or turn off Bluetooth.

Example output:

Bluetooth is now turned off.

Use case 3: List Available Filesystems for Formatting

Code:

m disk filesystems

Motivation:

Formatting a disk involves selecting a filesystem that best meets your requirements, whether for cross-platform compatibility or optimizing performance. Before formatting, knowing the available filesystem options on a Mac can help you make an informed choice. This information is essential for tasks such as preparing drives for backups, setting up boot drives, or customizing external storage for specific uses.

Explanation:

• m: The versatile command interface for macOS.
• disk: Targets operations and commands related to disk management.
• filesystems: Instructs the utility to list the available filesystems options for use during disk formatting.

Example output:

Available Filesystems:
- Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
- APFS
- MS-DOS (FAT)
- ExFAT

Use case 4: Enable Dock’s Auto Hide Feature

Code:

m dock autohide YES

Motivation:

Enabling the auto-hide feature of the Dock can enhance your workspace by providing more screen real estate, which is particularly useful on smaller displays. With the Dock hidden, you have a cleaner desktop environment, reducing distractions and increasing focus volume. This command enables you to set the auto-hide feature without diving into intricate system settings, quickly optimizing your workflow.

Explanation:

• m: The macOS command-line utility.
• dock: Refers to commands involving the Dock’s behavior and configuration.
• autohide: The specific feature of the Dock to be configured.
• YES: Enables the auto-hide functionality of the Dock.

Example output:

Dock auto-hide is enabled.

Use case 5: Disable the Firewall

Code:

m firewall disable

Motivation:

Though disabling a firewall isn’t recommended under normal circumstances, there are situations, such as software troubleshooting, where it might be necessary. Temporarily turning off the firewall can help identify and resolve connectivity issues by isolating them from firewall settings. This command allows administrators to quickly toggle the firewall status for testing and troubleshooting purposes.

Explanation:

• m: The command interface for various macOS functionalities.
• firewall: Pertains to operations dealing with the macOS firewall.
• disable: Specifies the action to turn off the firewall.

Example output:

Firewall is now disabled.

Conclusion:

The ’m’ command for macOS provides a powerful, yet simple, interface for executing system tasks that enhance productivity, system management, and user experience. Whether you need to quickly assess battery status, toggle connectivity features, configure display settings, or manage system security, the ’m’ utility offers a convenient shortcut for routine macOS maintenance tasks. By integrating these commands into your workflow, you can unlock a smoother and more efficient computing experience on your Mac.