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.
v5.3 [Nov 25, 2018]
Platypus is a developer tool that creates native Mac applications from command line scripts such as shell scripts or Python, Perl, Ruby, Tcl, JavaScript and PHP programs. This is done by wrapping the script in a macOS application bundle along with an app binary that runs the script.
Platypus makes it easy to share scripts and programs with people who are unfamiliar with the command line interface. Native, user-friendly applications can be created with a few clicks. It is very easy to create installers, droplets, administrative applications, login items, status menu items, launchers and automations using Platypus.
Features
Supports shell scripts, Python, Perl, Ruby, PHP, Swift, Expect, Tcl, AWK, JavaScript, AppleScript or any other user-specified interpreter
Apps can display graphical feedback of script execution as progress bar, text window with script output, droplet, WebKit HTML rendering or status item menu
Apps support receiving dragged and dropped files or text snippets, which are then passed to the script as arguments
Apps can execute scripts with root privileges via the macOS Security Framework
Apps can register as handlers for URI schemes
Apps can be configured to run in the background (LSUIElement)
Set own application icon or select from presets
Set app's associated file types, identifier, version, author, etc.
Graphical interface for bundling support files with the script
Command line tool for automation and build process integration
"Profiles" can be used to save app configurations
Built-in script editor, or linking with external editor of choice
Extensive documentation and many built-in examples to help you get started
