Mastering Automation on macOS: A Comprehensive Guide

In the digital age, efficiency is key, and this is especially true when it comes to setting up a new work laptop. One developer has taken a unique approach to this common task by automating the process, drawing inspiration from DevOps practices.

The automation script, developed by the developer, checks for the existence of essential tools, installs them if necessary, and utilises Homebrew to install additional tools. One such tool is Mas, a Command Line Interface (CLI) tool that allows interaction with the Apple App Store, streamlining the installation of any App Store apps.

To install an app using Mas, simply run the command followed by the app's ID. For instance, to list all the app store applications installed on the laptop along with their IDs, run the command for Mas after installation.

The developer's script also ensures that key bindings, aliases, AWS profiles, and other configurations are automatically set up on the laptop. To maintain consistency across all laptops, the developer either copies the config files instead of creating a symlink or creates a symlink for the config files in the cloud storage service.

Prerequisites for this laptop setup process include signing into iCloud, having a cloud storage service, and storing the bootstrap script and config files in the cloud storage service. The script configures the laptop using these stored files.

After installing the necessary tools and applications, the final step is to install 'Oh My Zsh' and create a configuration file. While this step is optional, it is highly encouraged for those not already using it.

The developer practices DevOps for their laptop setup to save time. The automation process takes approximately 10-15 minutes of work and 30 minutes of waiting. Compared to the average user who does not frequently change their work laptop and does not use automation, it typically takes about one to three weeks to bring a new laptop to a functional state for work.

The developer's automation script exits if it has been executed before to prevent redundant running. This ensures that each laptop setup process is efficient and does not unnecessarily consume resources.

By automating their laptop setup, the developer has not only saved time but also ensured consistency across all their laptops. This approach could inspire others to consider similar methods for their own workflows, further enhancing productivity in the digital realm.