If you've been using an M1-based Mac and encountered issues with terminal commands like which, dirname, and curl not functioning correctly in Zsh, you're not alone. Many users have reported similar problems, which can be frustrating, especially for developers and tech enthusiasts who rely heavily on these commands for their workflow.
The Problem Scenario
Users of macOS running on M1-based Macs have noticed that standard terminal commands, such as which, dirname, and curl, are being unexpectedly terminated or "killed" when run in the Zsh shell. This issue can disrupt various tasks that depend on these commands, making it difficult to navigate files, directories, or even fetch data from the internet.
Original Code Example
which python
dirname /path/to/file.txt
curl https://example.com
When executing these commands, you might encounter errors like "zsh: killed" instead of the expected output.
Analyzing the Issue
The root of this issue can often be traced back to two primary factors: compatibility between the terminal commands and the M1 architecture, as well as potential conflicts within the Zsh configuration.
Compatibility Issues
The M1 chip, based on ARM architecture, can sometimes lead to problems with binaries that were originally compiled for Intel-based Macs. If you're using terminal commands that are not fully compatible with ARM architecture, they may fail to execute properly. You can remedy this by checking if you are using the latest versions of these commands or by reinstalling the Homebrew packages, as they may have updates that support ARM:
brew update
brew upgrade
Configuration Conflicts
In some cases, the Zsh shell configuration files (like .zshrc) may contain scripts or environment variables that interfere with standard command execution. You can debug this by starting a new shell session without the configuration:
zsh -f
This command starts Zsh without loading the .zshrc file, allowing you to check if the issue persists. If the commands work fine here, it's time to revisit your configuration and comment out any suspicious lines or plugins that may be causing conflicts.
Practical Examples and Solutions
Example 1: Using the which Command
The which command helps locate the executable file associated with a given command. If it’s not working, you can try using the command -v alternative:
command -v python
Example 2: Using the dirname Command
To retrieve the directory part of a given path, ensure your script has executable permissions, or try using an alternative approach:
echo $(dirname /path/to/file.txt)
Example 3: Using the curl Command
The curl command is often used for transferring data with URLs. If it's being killed, verify if you need to run it under Rosetta 2, which allows you to run Intel-based applications on M1 Macs. You can open your terminal with Rosetta by right-clicking the Terminal app, selecting "Get Info," and checking "Open using Rosetta."
Additional Resources
- Apple Support: Mac with Apple silicon: Open apps built for Intel-based Mac
- Homebrew: Homebrew on M1 Macs
- Zsh Documentation: Zsh User Guide
Conclusion
Encountering terminal commands that are unexpectedly killed in Zsh on M1 Macs can be frustrating, but understanding the underlying reasons can help you troubleshoot effectively. Whether it’s updating your command-line tools or adjusting your Zsh configuration, the steps outlined in this article should help you restore functionality to your terminal commands.
By keeping your system updated and understanding the potential conflicts within Zsh, you'll enhance your productivity and make the most out of your M1 Mac experience.
