SCUTIL(8) System Manager's Manual SCUTIL(8)

scutil — Manage system configuration parameters

scutil

scutil --prefs [preference-file]

scutil -r [-W] { nodename | address | local-address remote-address }

scutil -w dynamic-store-key [-t timeout]

scutil --get pref

scutil --set pref [newval]

scutil --dns

scutil --proxy

scutil --nc nc-arguments

scutil --renew interface-name

Invoked with no options, scutil provides a command line interface to the "dynamic store" data maintained by configd(8). Interaction with this data (using the SystemConfiguration.framework SCDynamicStore APIs) is handled with a set of commands read from standard input. A list of the available commands is available by entering the help directive.

The --prefs option provides a command line interface to the [raw] stored preference data. Interaction with this data (using the SystemConfiguration.framework SCPreferences APIs) is handled with a set of commands read from standard input. A list of the available commands is availble by entering the help directive.

The -r option provides a means of checking the network reachability of a host, an IP address, or a pair of local and remote IP addresses. Network "reachability" is a term that indicates whether network communication is possible between the current host and the specified host.

The -w option provides a means of checking for (and optionally waiting for the creation of or posting of a notification to) a dynamic store key.

The --get and --set options provide a means of reporting and updating a select group of persistent system preferences.

The --dns option reports the current DNS configuration. The first listed resolver(5) configuration is considered to be the "default" configuration. Additional "supplemental" configurations follow. Those containing a "domain" name will be used for queries matching the specified domain. Those without will be used as a "default" configuration in addition to the first listed.

The --proxy option reports the current system proxy configuration.

The --nc option provides a set of commands for monitoring and interacting with VPN connections. Use --nc help for a full list of commands.

The --renew option triggers a re-evaluation of the network configuration on the interface.

[-W] { nodename | address | local-address remote-address }
Check the network reachability of the specified host name, IP address, or a pair of local and remote IP addresses. One or more of the following strings will be reported to standard output.
Not Reachable
The specified nodename/address cannot be reached using the current network configuration.
Reachable
The specified nodename/address can be reached using the current network configuration.
Transient Connection
The specified nodename/address can be reached via a transient (e.g. PPP) connection.
Connection Required
The specified nodename/address can be reached using the current network configuration but a connection must first be established. As an example, this status would be returned for a dialup connection that was not currently active but could handle network traffic for the target system.
Connection Automatic
The specified nodename/address can be reached using the current network configuration but a connection must first be established. Any traffic directed to the specified name/address will initiate the connection.
Local Address
The specified nodename/address is one associated with a network interface on the system.
Directly Reachable Addresss
Network traffic to the specified nodename/address will not go through a gateway but is routed directly to one of the interfaces on the system.

The reachability can also be monitored by specifying the -W (watch) option. This will result in the current status being reported as well as the status when/if the network configuration changes.

A zero exit status will be returned when the reachability status is reported correctly. A non-zero exit status will be returned if errors are detected with an error reported to standard error.

dynamic-store-key [-t timeout]
Check if the specified key exists in the "dynamic store" data maintained by configd(8). If present, scutil will return with a zero exit status. If not present, scutil will wait for the specified time for data to be associated with or a notification to be posted using the key. A non-zero exit status will be returned if the key was not created/posted within the specified time.

scutil will wait indefinitely if a timeout of 0 seconds is specified. The default timeout is 15 seconds.

pref
Retrieves the specified preference. The current value will be reported on standard output.

Supported preferences include:

ComputerName
The user-friendly name for the system.
LocalHostName
The local (Bonjour) host name.
HostName
The name associated with hostname(1) and gethostname(3).
pref [newval]
Updates the specified preference with the new value. If the new value is not specified on the command line then it will be read from standard input.

Supported preferences include: ComputerName LocalHostName HostName

The --set option requires super-user access.

Reports the current DNS configuration.
Reports the current proxy configuration.
nc-arguments
Provides a set of commands for monitoring and interacting with VPN connections. Use --nc help for a full list of commands.
interface-name
Triggers a re-evaluation of the network configuration on the interface.

configd(8)

The scutil command appeared in Mac OS X Public Beta.

January 23, 2008 Mac OS X