Hidden files on Macs

There are many hidden files that Mac prevents the user from seeing as most of these files store essential data. There aren't any way to set them on in the preferences, however you can still view them using the Terminal or 3rd party programs. These hidden files has a period at the beginning of a file (ie, .login, .profile and etc).

Reason why Mac prevents the files from making it visible to a user is so they don't accidently delete them. It doesn't even allow you to change the file extension to a hidden file on your desktop.

If you are developer, at times it is necessary to view hidden files to edit them. For example, you might want to edit a .htaccess file from your local disk.

Here are 2 simple ways:

- Using the Terminal - use the command: ls -al

- Use TextWrangler or BBEdit - Go to 'File' and select 'Open Hidden'

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Submitted by duvien on Sat, 01/05/2008 - 04:16.
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A quicker way...

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/10/2008 - 02:48.

Found this solution for when I want to view hidden files from other applications or in the Finder but would prefer not to leave the setting on all the time.

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20030409015020645

That script can be saved as an AppleScript that you can execute from the script menu, as a little app you can keep on your desktop or in the doc, or as an Automator action.

Very handy.

Very handy indeed

Submitted by duvien on Thu, 01/10/2008 - 03:34.

Excellent tip. Thanks.