osascript

Osascript is a command-line utility in macOS that runs scripts written for the system’s scripting facilities, including AppleScript and JavaScript for Automation (JXA). It acts as a bridge between the shell and applications or system components that expose Apple events, enabling automation and control of apps, windows, files, and other resources.

Osascript can execute scripts from files or inline code. You can pass a script file as an argument, or supply commands directly using the -e option. The language to interpret the script can be selected with the -l option, with AppleScript as the default and JavaScript for Automation as an alternative. Scripts run in a separate scripting context and may return values to the shell.

Common usage includes automating routine tasks in shell scripts, batch workflows, or testing. Examples include telling an application to perform an action or querying system state. For instance, you can run an inline command like osascript -e 'tell application "Finder" to reveal POSIX file "/Users/you/Documents"' or specify JavaScript for Automation with -l JavaScript to interact with applications via JXA.

Osascript is located at /usr/bin/osascript on macOS and is part of the Open Scripting Architecture. It is widely used for macOS automation workflows and can interface with any scriptable application that supports AppleScript or JavaScript for Automation.