Free course

Automate macOS Course

Automate repeatable Mac work with Shortcuts, shell commands, AppleScript, Finder actions, launchd jobs, logs, and safe failure handling.

5 modules · 25 lessons · No signup

Prerequisites: macOS Basics, Shell Commands and Shell Scripting and Automation

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What you'll learn

Build a documented Mac automation that accepts clear input, runs without hidden interaction, reports failures, and is safe to run twice.

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Course contents

  1. Choose the automation

    Define the repeated task, select the smallest suitable Mac automation tool, and design input, output, and rollback.

    1. ✓ Describe the repeated task
    2. ✓ Choose the smallest tool
    3. ✓ Design input and output
    4. ✓ Build a safe dry run
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: choose the automation

  2. Connect apps and files

    Use Shortcuts, Finder Quick Actions, open, clipboard commands, and file metadata to connect desktop work.

    1. ✓ Build a Shortcut with a contract
    2. ✓ Run Shortcuts from Terminal
    3. ✓ Open files, URLs, and applications
    4. ✓ Build a Finder Quick Action
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: connect apps and files

  3. Script applications

    Inspect scripting dictionaries, send Apple events, combine AppleScript with shell commands, and avoid brittle UI scripting.

    1. ✓ Inspect an application dictionary
    2. ✓ Send a small Apple event
    3. ✓ Call AppleScript with osascript
    4. ✓ Avoid UI scripting when possible
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: script applications

  4. Schedule with launchd

    Build and operate a per-user LaunchAgent with explicit paths, environment, output, and lifecycle controls.

    1. ✓ Choose a LaunchAgent or LaunchDaemon
    2. ✓ Write a minimal LaunchAgent
    3. ✓ Control environment and output
    4. ✓ Load, test, and remove the job
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: schedule with launchd

  5. Operate the automation

    Add idempotence, locking, logs, notifications, tests, recovery, and a complete automation runbook.

    1. ✓ Make the work idempotent
    2. ✓ Prevent overlapping runs
    3. ✓ Log and notify without leaking
    4. ✓ Finish the automation runbook
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: operate the automation