Install AWS CLI on macOS

This article is for those looking for a detailed and straightforward guide on installing AWS CLI on macOS.

The AWS CLI is a single tool for managing AWS services. With just one tool download, you can control many AWS services from the command line and automate them with scripts.

TIP

Architecture Context

AWS CLI is essential for scripting and automation workflows that exceed what the AWS Console provides. For infrastructure provisioning, Terraform or CloudFormation offer declarative alternatives with state management and drift detection. CLI is the right choice for ad-hoc operations, debugging, and scripting — while IaC tools should handle repeatable infrastructure deployments.

NOTE

We will be using the iTerm2 terminal emulator.

Download the AWS CLI installer using the command:

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curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.pkg" -o "AWSCLIV2.pkg"

Let’s start the AWS CLI installation using the command:

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sudo installer -pkg AWSCLIV2.pkg -target /

Specify the password for the account and press “Enter”.

Now you can see the location of the executable file with the command:

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which aws

You can now view the installed version of AWS CLI using the command:

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aws --version

Everything is ready to use the AWS CLI.

You can read more about how to configure AWS CLI in my guide Configure AWS CLI.