MacOS – Reason why applications aren’t stored in the Home-Folder

macosunix

I wonder why Apple don't put all applications in an applications folder inside the Home-Folder. So they could offer a hole new mac for each user.

Every file is user specific, except for the applications. Is there a reason for this? Or just "too complicated" because every user want to have access to Safari and Third-Party Apps?

Is it just Apple or is it a UNIX design decision?

Is there an explanation/documentation/ operation system design?

Best Answer

Apple's design is not at all a traditional or typical UNIX layout for user files, user preferences or application files and preferences so I would say this is just Apple.

They do document exactly how developers are supposed to design OS X apps to take advantage of the "canonical" locations where files and preferences should be stored so that each user can decide to install any application in one or several locations.

  • /Applications
  • /Another volume/Aplications
  • ~/Applications
  • or anywhere else on the drive since on OS X - you don't need to place an application anywhere as long as the user can read from the folder - an app should run and store things in the proper pace (which is NOT in the application folder itself).

Here are three articles I would start with to learn more:

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