Run a JavaScript Script File from the Terminal on Mac

#!/usr/bin/env jsc
print("Hello, World!");

To execute such a JS file from the terminal, it's convenient to use the JSC that comes pre-installed on Mac.

1. Add JSC Interpreter to Your Path

The JavaScript interpreter on a Mac is located here:

/System/Library/Frameworks/JavaScriptCore.framework/Versions/A/Resources/jsc

Since it's not in the PATH by default, create a symbolic link in a directory that is in the PATH.

For example, you might use /usr/local/bin.

cd /usr/local/bin
ln -s /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaScriptCore.framework/Versions/A/Resources/jsc ./

In the terminal, run:

jsc --help

If the help information is displayed, it's set up correctly.

1.1. Using the Interactive Interface

Run:

jsc

This will start an interactive interface. The prompt and behavior are very similar to Python's interactive interface.

You can even write functions.

2. Write Your JS File

#!/usr/bin/env jsc
print("Hello, World!");

Save this as hello.js.

3. Make the File Executable

chmod +x hello.js

4. Execute the File

./hello.js

Reference:

Running JS in Mac's Terminal - modified's diary