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MacOS install

Instructions

EcoAssist is free to use for everybody. However, the development and maintenance of the platform requires time and resources. We can’t do this work without the support of many valuable donors around the world – and we hope you’d like to become one of them. If you like the project, please consider supporting it with a donation.

The installation of EcoAssist might seem complicated, but it really isn’t. The steps are described in text below. It will install quite a lot of dependencies, so don’t panic if the installation takes 10-20 minutes and generates lots of textual feedback as it does so. Please note that some antivirus, VPN, proxy servers or other protection software might interfere with the installation. If you’re having trouble, please disable this protection software for the duration of the installation. Repeat this procedure to update to the latest version. There is no need to remove any old files when reinstalling or updating.

If anything seems off, let me know and I’ll help you get on your way.

As of January 2024, support for Intel-based Macs has been deprecated. While the software may still function on Intel Macs, optimal performance cannot be guaranteed, and unexpected behavior may occur.

  1. EcoAssist requires you to have a recent version of Xcode Developer Tools. You can download and install it from the Mac App Store. Once installed, open the application to agree to their terms. If you need an older version, see xcodereleases.com.
  2. Download and open the EcoAssist installation file for MacOS. Some computers can be quite reluctant when having to open command files downloaded from the internet. You can circumvent trust issues by opening it with right-click > open > open. If that still doesn’t work, you can change the file permissions by opening a new terminal window (search applications for ‘terminal’), copy-pasting the following commands and press enter.
    • chmod 755 $HOME/Downloads/install.command
    • bash $HOME/Downloads/install.command
  3. When the installation is done, you’ll find a ‘EcoAssist.command’ file in your applications folder. The app will open when double-clicked. Opening EcoAssist for the first time will take a bit longer than usual due to script compiling. Have patience, all subsequent times will be better. You are free to move this file to a more convenient location. If you want EcoAssist in your dock, manually rename ‘EcoAssist.command’ to ‘EcoAssist.app’, then drag and drop it in your dock and rename the file in applications folder back to ‘EcoAssist.command’.