OnyX

OnyX
Developer(s)Joël Barrière
Titanium Software
Stable release4.7.1 (October 22, 2024; 15 days ago (2024-10-22)[1]) [±]
Preview release3.2.8 (July 26, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-07-26)) [±]
Operating systemmacOS
Available inMultilingual
TypeUtilities, Maintenance, Optimization
LicenseFreeware
WebsiteTitanium Software

OnyX is a popular[2] freeware utility for macOS developed by French developer Joël Barrière that is compatible with both Intel processors and Apple silicon (previous versions supported PowerPC). As a multifunctional tool for maintenance and optimization, it can control many basic Unix programs already built into macOS, including setting hidden preferences otherwise modified by using property list editors and the command line.[3]

Features

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  • Verify the structure of the file system on the start-up volume
  • Repair disk permissions
  • Configure certain parameters hidden from the system and from certain applications
  • Empty System, User, Internet, Font caches
  • Force Empty the Trash
  • Rebuild Launch Services, CoreDuet database, XPC Cache...
  • Rebuild Spotlight and Mail indexes

Development

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Created in 2003 by Joël Barrière, a.k.a. Titanium, the program was originally meant to address its creator's personal needs. Developed using Xcode, Apple's software development environment (Cocoa + AppleScript Studio + Objective-C), OnyX is regularly updated by its author taking into consideration users' suggestions and requests. To do its job, the program uses macOS's standard Unix utilities, allowing their control through a graphical user interface without needing the command line.

Versions

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OnyX versions are specific to each version of macOS and are not backward compatible. The program will not work correctly if used with an OS for which it was not designed.

The build for macOS Sequoia is actively maintained. However, all previous versions in support of past operating systems are still available for download from the developer's website.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "OnyX Release Notes". Titanium Software. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
  2. ^ "OnyX (Mavericks) for Mac". CNET. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  3. ^ Loeb, Larry (2005-04-29). "OnyX: Make OS X Spill the Beans". Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  4. ^ "OnyX download section". Retrieved 2024-10-15.
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