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On the other hand, their /Applications directory is genius. No need for databases to track which files belong to which application. Everything belonging to an a

by curt15 1y ago

On the other hand, their /Applications directory is genius. No need for databases to track which files belong to which application. Everything belonging to an application resides in its subdirectory of /Applications. Installing and removing software becomes incredibly simple.

WesolyKubeczek 1y ago
Except stuff in /Library/Application Support. Oh, and /Library/Extensions. Oh, and /Library/DriverExtensions. Oh, and /Library/LaunchAgents. And /Library/LaunchDaemons. Also /Library/Perl (this is Apple-provided) and /Library/TeX (this is not, this is MacTeX). And /Library/Developer. Also, the dread of "removal instructions" that include stuff like "go through these directories and delete things that look like they belong to this software".
- Svetlitski 1y ago
  When available I prefer installing applications via brew as casks, since at least this way if I decide to uninstall it later brew will take care of deleting all of these associated directories. I remember using an app called AppZapper several years ago which did this but for arbitrary applications. No idea if it’s still around/maintained.
  - adidalal 1y ago
    There's `brew uninstall --zap $application`[1], and there's pretty decent coverage, but it's by no means comprehensive. If you feel inclined to contribute, the process is quite streamlined, and there's a helper script[2]. I used Appcleaner[3] for many years, and it's still perfectly serviceable I'm keeping my eye on Pearcleaner[4], which is additionally open-source and written in Swift. [1] https://docs.brew.sh/Cask-Cookbook#stanza-zap https://docs.brew.sh/Cask-Cookbook#stanza-zap [2] https://github.com/nrlquaker/homebrew-createzap https://github.com/nrlquaker/homebrew-createzap [3] https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ [4] https://itsalin.com/appInfo/?id=pearcleaner https://itsalin.com/appInfo/?id=pearcleaner
  - jbc1 1y ago
    Appcleaner does this. One of first installs on a fresh macos.

by curt15 1y ago

WesolyKubeczek 1y ago

Except stuff in /Library/Application Support. Oh, and /Library/Extensions. Oh, and /Library/DriverExtensions. Oh, and /Library/LaunchAgents. And /Library/LaunchDaemons. Also /Library/Perl (this is Apple-provided) and /Library/TeX (this is not, this is MacTeX). And /Library/Developer. Also, the dread of "removal instructions" that include stuff like "go through these directories and delete things that look like they belong to this software".

Svetlitski 1y ago
When available I prefer installing applications via brew as casks, since at least this way if I decide to uninstall it later brew will take care of deleting all of these associated directories. I remember using an app called AppZapper several years ago which did this but for arbitrary applications. No idea if it’s still around/maintained.
- adidalal 1y ago
  There's `brew uninstall --zap $application`[1], and there's pretty decent coverage, but it's by no means comprehensive. If you feel inclined to contribute, the process is quite streamlined, and there's a helper script[2]. I used Appcleaner[3] for many years, and it's still perfectly serviceable I'm keeping my eye on Pearcleaner[4], which is additionally open-source and written in Swift. [1] https://docs.brew.sh/Cask-Cookbook#stanza-zap https://docs.brew.sh/Cask-Cookbook#stanza-zap [2] https://github.com/nrlquaker/homebrew-createzap https://github.com/nrlquaker/homebrew-createzap [3] https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/ [4] https://itsalin.com/appInfo/?id=pearcleaner https://itsalin.com/appInfo/?id=pearcleaner
- jbc1 1y ago
  Appcleaner does this. One of first installs on a fresh macos.