macOS

System Tools & CLI Workflows

🧰 System Utilities

Tool/CommandTypePurpose
Disk UtilityGUIPartition, format, and repair disks
Activity MonitorGUIView CPU, memory, disk, and network usage
System InformationGUIDetailed hardware and software specs
ConsoleGUIView system logs and crash reports

🖥️ Terminal Commands

CommandPurpose
topLive system resource monitor
df -hShow disk usage in human-readable format
sudo shutdown -r nowRestart system immediately
sudo dscacheutil -flushcacheFlush DNS cache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderRestart DNS service

🧹 Cleanup & Optimization

Tool/CommandTypePurpose
Finder > Go to Folder > ~/Library/CachesGUIManually clear user cache files
AppCleanerGUIRemove apps and associated files cleanly
Terminal: sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/*CLIDelete user cache via terminal
Terminal: purgeCLIClear inactive memory (older macOS)

🛠️ Recovery & Troubleshooting

Tool/CommandTypePurpose
Disk Utility > First AidGUICheck and repair disk errors
Safe ModeBoot OptionLoads minimal drivers and runs diagnostics
Recovery Mode (⌘+R)Boot OptionAccess reinstall, restore, and disk tools
Terminal: sudo fsck -fyCLIForce file system check and repair