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

The mysides command is a convenient tool that allows users to manage their Finder sidebar favorites on macOS. It provides simple commands to list, add, and remove shortcuts in the sidebar, enabling a personalized and organized file navigation experience.

Use case 1: List sidebar favorites

Code:

mysides list

Motivation:

Listing the current sidebar favorites is an essential step for users who want to manage or tidy up their Finder sidebar. You might have accumulated several shortcuts over time, and some of them may no longer be relevant. By listing them, you can easily see which ones you want to keep and which you wish to remove or organize differently.

Explanation:

• mysides: The command that facilitates the interaction with Finder sidebar favorites.
• list: An argument that tells the command to display the current list of sidebar items.

Example Output:

file:///Users/username/Documents
file:///Users/username/Downloads
file:///Users/Shared/example

This output would show the various favorites currently pinned to your Finder sidebar.

Use case 2: Add a new item to the end of the sidebar favorites

Code:

mysides add example file:///Users/Shared/example

Motivation:

Adding a frequently accessed folder or file to your Finder sidebar can significantly speed up your workflow by reducing the time spent navigating through nested directories. For instance, if you often use a shared directory at work or for collaborative projects, adding it directly to the sidebar can enhance accessibility and convenience.

Explanation:

• mysides: The command to interact with Finder sidebar.
• add: Tells the command to add a new item to the sidebar.
• example: The name you want to give the sidebar favorite. It will appear as a label in the Finder sidebar.
• file:///Users/Shared/example: The full path to the directory or file you wish to add as a sidebar favorite. The URL format is required.

Example Output:

No output is typically generated, indicating success. Upon checking Finder, “example” would appear as a new sidebar favorite pointing to the specified path.

Use case 3: Remove an item by name

Code:

mysides remove example

Motivation:

As your needs change, certain sidebar shortcuts may become obsolete or irrelevant. Removing old or unused shortcuts from the Finder sidebar declutters your workspace, making it easier to find and access essential folders and files quickly.

Explanation:

• mysides: The command to manage Finder sidebar items.
• remove: Indicates that you want to delete an item from the sidebar.
• example: The name of the sidebar favorite you wish to remove.

Example Output:

No output is generally produced for successful removal. When you check Finder, you will notice that “example” is no longer listed in the sidebar.

Use case 4: Add the current directory to the sidebar

Code:

mysides add $(basename $(pwd)) file:///$(pwd)

Motivation:

Often, users might find themselves working within a particular directory extensively for a given project. By adding the current working directory to the Finder sidebar, you ensure quick access during subsequent system activities, minimizing disruptions and enhancing productivity.

Explanation:

• mysides: The tool for managing Finder sidebar favorites.
• add: Command to append a directory to the sidebar.
• $(basename $(pwd)): This part of the command dynamically determines the name of the current directory, making it the title for the sidebar favorite.
• file:///$(pwd): Constructs the URL path for the current working directory to be added to the sidebar.
• $(basename $(pwd)) and $(pwd) are command substitutions that dynamically provide values during the execution of the command.

Example Output:

After execution, the current directory will be added to the Finder sidebar. There is typically no console output, but the result can be verified directly in Finder.

Use case 5: Remove the current directory from the sidebar

Code:

mysides remove $(basename $(pwd))

Motivation:

Removing a directory from the sidebar that you no longer need frequent access to keeps your sidebar organized. It helps in maintaining a clear workspace, especially when projects are completed or directories are no longer relevant to your daily tasks.

Explanation:

• mysides: The command for manipulating sidebar items.
• remove: Directive to delete an item from the sidebar.
• $(basename $(pwd)): Automatically determines and targets the current directory’s sidebar entry for removal.

Example Output:

No immediate output is visible in the terminal. However, the current directory should disappear from the Finder sidebar upon execution.

Conclusion:

The mysides command provides an efficient way to manage Finder sidebar favorites, whether you are listing, adding, or removing items. Through specific commands and practical examples, users can customize their Finder experience, improving productivity and ensuring their workflow is optimized for their unique needs. The simplicity and effectiveness of mysides make it a valuable tool for macOS users who regularly engage with the Finder application.