Platypus allows creating applications from scripts. This way, you can give command-line scripts a graphical interface to facilitate user interaction with them, which comes in quite handy when you are creating installers, launchers and droplets, for instance. The tool works by wrapping the desired scripts into a bundle that also includes a binary file, so that they can be executed just like a standard application.
The tool has an easy-to-use interface and only a few options require opening additional windows. You can start by giving your app a name. Then, you should select a script type from a long list that includes Shell, Bash, Csh, Perl, Python, Ruby, AppleScript, TCL, Expect, PHP, Swift, AWK, JavaScript, Node.js, and others. Next, you are required to choose a script file or create a completely new one with the built-in editor or another you prefer. You also need to pick an interface type, which may be Progress Bar, Text Window, Web View, Status Menu and Droplet.
Other possibilities include bundling the desired files, which you can easily drag and drop onto the app’s window. Besides, it is allowed to run the future application with root privileges via the macOS Security Framework or in the background. Likewise, you can set the app to remain running after its execution. Although it worked perfectly for me, some users have complained about the program using the wrong path when they use the drag-and-drop function to add files to the bundle.
All in all, Platypus can help you reach a wider community by helping users avoid the command line and employ a friendlier GUI instead. Obviously, the tool is not intended for inexperienced users, as it is developers who may benefit the most from it. However, it is good to know that it comes with comprehensive documentation and multiple examples that flatten the learning curve. Luckily, the product is open-source and absolutely free to use.
v4.7 [Mar 24, 2012]
- New "Uninstall" menu option, which removes all traces of Platypus on a system
- New update mechanism using the Sparkle framework and appcasting
- Command line tool now supports reading script from STDIN
- Command line tool now supports XML plist option
- Migrated away from all deprecated Mac OS X API calls
- Minor interface tweaks
- Fixed bug where script permissions could be erroneously set, resulting in execution failure
- Fixed bug which caused Platypus to crash when creating Droplets
- Fixed bug with icon missing on "New Script" if CLI tool wasn't installed
- Fixed bug with enabled an empty menu item when no profiles were in Profiles list
