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Cron doesn’t work on macOS—here’s the AppleScript Terminal workaround you didn’t know you needed.

If you’re a Linux power user, cron jobs are as natural as breathing — schedule, automate, repeat.
So when you switch to macOS, you expect your trusty cron to work the same way. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Enter AppleScript, macOS’s native automation language — and here’s the kicker: you can run it straight from the Terminal, just like a cron job.

As a long-time FOSS advocate, I get the itch for command-line control, and AppleScript via osascript is the closest thing macOS has to cron’s automation magic.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through running AppleScript from Terminal — unlocking powerful, cron-like automation without losing your command-line mojo.

Ready to automate macOS the Linux way? Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Cron Doesn’t Work the Same Way on macOS

For Linux users, cron jobs are a no-brainer for scheduling tasks, but on macOS, the story is a bit different. While cron technically exists, it’s not the recommended tool anymore and is often unreliable due to how macOS manages background processes and user permissions.

Apple introduced launchd to replace cron and other traditional Unix schedulers. This means your cron jobs might silently fail or run with unexpected behaviors because of the system’s sandboxing and permission layers.

This is where AppleScript comes in: macOS’s native automation language designed to work within its ecosystem, making it a better candidate for scheduled tasks—especially when triggered via Terminal commands using osascript.

So, if you’re switching from Linux to Mac and find cron frustrating, shifting your automation mindset toward AppleScript is the smoother, more robust path forward.

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What Is AppleScript and Why Use It?

AppleScript often gets a bad rap as a clunky, legacy scripting language reserved for old-school Mac automation. But this overlooks its power as a native, system-level automation tool designed to control macOS apps, processes, and UI elements.

Unlike shell scripts that only manage the filesystem or external programs, AppleScript can interact with the macOS graphical environment, apps like Finder, Mail, or Safari, and system services with deep integration.

By running AppleScript scripts from the Terminal (via the osascript command), you get the best of both worlds: the command-line control Linux users love, combined with macOS’s native automation power.

This makes AppleScript a crucial tool for Linux users adapting to macOS, enabling automation that cron can’t replicate on its own.

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Understanding osascript: The Terminal Gateway to AppleScript

osascript is the command-line utility that allows you to execute AppleScript (and other OSA language scripts) directly from the Terminal.

Instead of opening the Script Editor or relying on GUI automation tools, you can embed AppleScript commands inside shell scripts, cron replacements, or launchd jobs—making your automation workflow more streamlined and script-friendly.

Here’s the core advantage: once you know how to run AppleScript via osascript, you can integrate powerful macOS-specific actions into your existing shell scripting and command-line routines.

Example usage:

osascript -e 'tell application "Finder" to open home'

This command opens your home folder in Finder—simple, yet demonstrating how AppleScript bridges your Terminal commands to macOS’s GUI environment.

Opening a New Terminal Window

To open a new Terminal window using AppleScript Terminal automation, you can use the following command:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to do script ""'

This command opens a new Terminal window, but it does not execute any commands by default. To customize it, you need to add the desired command within the script.

Executing a Command in a New Terminal Window

To open a new Terminal window and execute a specific command, modify the AppleScript Terminal automation command as follows:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to do script "your-command-here"'

Navigate to a Directory

To open a new Terminal window and navigate to a specific directory:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to do script "cd /path/to/directory"'

Run a Shell Script

To execute a shell script in a new Terminal window:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to do script "sh /path/to/your-script.sh"'

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Close the Frontmost Terminal Window

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to close (front window)'

This command closes the frontmost Terminal window. If you have multiple windows open and want to close a specific one, you need to adjust the AppleScript to target that window.

Close All Terminal Windows

To close all open Terminal windows:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to close (every window)'

This command will close every open Terminal window.

Scheduling Tasks on macOS Made Easy

Scheduling tasks on macOS is an essential practice for automating routine processes, whether you’re running scripts, managing backups, or executing custom commands. While cron has traditionally been the go-to tool for task scheduling, macOS users often encounter limitations with it, such as compatibility issues and lack of flexibility. Fortunately, macOS provides a more robust alternative in the form of launchd, the system service manager that gives users better control over task execution and scheduling.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will osascript run even if the Mac is under screen lock?

Yes, osascript will run even if your Mac is under screen lock. Since this task doesn’t require user interaction, it can execute in the background. The script will still open Terminal and run the command as expected, even when the screen is locked.

Can I run osascript while my Mac is asleep?

No, if your Mac is in sleep mode, the script will not run until the system wakes up. To ensure your script runs as scheduled, make sure your Mac stays awake during critical tasks.

How do I close a Terminal window after a script has run?

You can use the following AppleScript Terminal automation command to close the Terminal window after your script has completed:

osascript -e 'tell application "Terminal" to close (front window)'

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Practical Use Cases

1. Automating Development Tasks: Developers can open new Terminal windows with specific commands to set up development environments or run tests automatically at scheduled times using AppleScript Terminal automation.
2. System Administration: System administrators can automate routine maintenance tasks by scheduling scripts to run in Terminal windows at specific times, even if the system is locked, using AppleScript Terminal automation.
3. Frequent Tasks: For users who regularly execute specific commands, automating these tasks with AppleScript Terminal automation and crontab can save time and reduce manual effort.

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Automate macOS Like a True Linux Power Use

Cron is king on Linux, but on macOS, AppleScript is the unsung hero that brings automation to your Terminal.

Whether you’re migrating scripts, building workflows, or just craving command-line control, AppleScript via osascript delivers native automation without the headaches.

Ready to get back your command-line superpowers? This guide is just the start.

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