Modern developers value speed, repeatability, and automation. Yet many still perform routine Terminal tasks manually. Creating your own custom command on macOS eliminates that friction. With a simple shell script and proper PATH configuration, you can run your own commands globally—just like pro built-in tools.

For over 20 years, I’ve been building the future of tech, from writing millions of lines of code to leading transformative initiatives that fuel remarkable business growth. Empowering startups and businesses to harness technology’s power and make a real-world impact. This tech concept walks through the complete process, from writing a .sh script to making it available system-wide.

Why Create Custom Terminal Commands?

Before diving into the steps, understand the practical value. Custom commands help you:

• Automate repetitive workflows
• Standardize team operations
• Reduce human error
• Speed up development tasks
• Build a personalized developer toolkit

Whether you want a quick project bootstrapper, Git helper, or deployment shortcut, the mechanism remains the same.

Prerequisites

You only need:

• macOS Terminal access
• Basic familiarity with command line
• Permission to write to /usr/local/bin or /opt/homebrew/bin

No advanced scripting knowledge is required.

Step 1: Write Your Shell Script (.sh)

A custom command is simply a shell script placed in a directory that your system recognizes.

Create the Script

Open Terminal and create a new file:

nano hello.sh

Add Script Content

Paste this beginner example:

#!/bin/bash
echo "Hello! Your custom command works."

Why the Shebang Matters

The first line:

#!/bin/bash

tells macOS which interpreter should run the script. Without it, your command may fail or behave inconsistently.

Save the File

In nano:

• Press CTRL + O → Enter
• Press CTRL + X to exit

Your script now exists but is not executable yet.

Step 2: Make the Script Executable (chmod +x)

By default, macOS treats new files as non-executable. You must grant execute permission.

Run:

chmod +x hello.sh

What This Does

• chmod = change mode
• +x = add execute permission

You can verify permissions:

ls -l hello.sh

You should see an x in the permission string.

Step 3: Move the Script to a Global Binary Directory

For your command to run from anywhere, place it in a directory included in your system’s $PATH.

Choose the Correct Location

Use one of these depending on your Mac setup:

Intel Macs (traditional):

/usr/local/bin

Apple Silicon Macs (Homebrew default):

/opt/homebrew/bin

Move the Script

Rename the script to the command you want users to type.

Example:

mv hello.sh hello

Then move it:

sudo mv hello /usr/local/bin/

or

sudo mv hello /opt/homebrew/bin/

Now your command name is simply:

hello

Step 4: Ensure the Directory Is in Your $PATH

Most macOS systems already include these directories, but you should verify.

Check Current PATH

echo $PATH

Look for one of:

• /usr/local/bin
• /opt/homebrew/bin

If the Directory Is Missing

Add it to your shell configuration.

For Zsh (default macOS shell)

Edit:

nano ~/.zshrc

Add:

export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"

or

export PATH="/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH"

Apply Changes

source ~/.zshrc

Your system now recognizes the directory globally.

Step 5: Test Your Custom Command Globally

Now comes the validation step.

From anywhere in Terminal, run:

hello

Expected Output

Hello! Your custom command works.

If you see this message, your custom macOS command is fully operational.

Real-World Use Cases

Once you understand the mechanism, the possibilities expand quickly.

1. Project Bootstrap Command (newproject.sh->newporject)

#!/bin/bash
mkdir "$1"
cd "$1"
git init

Usage:

newproject my-app

2. Git Shortcut (gquick.sh -> gquick)

#!/bin/bash
git add .
git commit -m "$1"
git push

Usage:

gquick "updated feature"

3. Development Environment Starter

You can start Docker, open editors, and run services with one command.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Permission Denied

Cause: Script not executable
Fix:

chmod +x yourscript

Command Not Found

Cause: Directory not in $PATH
Fix:

echo $PATH

and update .zshrc.

Wrong Interpreter

Cause: Missing or incorrect shebang
Fix:

#!/bin/bash

or for modern macOS:

#!/usr/bin/env bash

(The second option is more portable.)

Pro Tips for Production-Quality Commands

• Use /usr/bin/env bash for portability
• Add argument validation
• Include helpful error messages
• Version your scripts in Git
• Create a personal ~/bin directory for non-sudo workflows
• Document your commands for team adoption

Create a Personal Bin Directory (No sudo)

If you prefer not to use system folders:

mkdir -p ~/bin

Move your script there and add to PATH:

export PATH="$HOME/bin:$PATH"

This approach is safer for personal development environments.

My Tech Advice: Custom Terminal commands on macOS represent one of the highest-leverage productivity upgrades available to developers. With a simple shell script, proper permissions, and correct PATH configuration, you can transform repetitive workflows into single-word commands.

Start small—automate one annoying task today. Over time, your personal command library will become a powerful force multiplier across your development workflow.

Ready to build your own tech solution ? Try the above tech concept, or contact me for a tech advice!

#AskDushyant

Note: The names and information mentioned are based on my personal experience; however, they do not represent any formal statement.

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