Guide: Create a macOS Desktop Shortcut Using Jelly CLI

Learn to create a macOS desktop shortcut with Jelly language. Includes steps to compile the Jelly CLI.

Guide: Create a macOS Desktop Shortcut Using Jelly CLI

Welcome to our guide on creating macOS desktop shortcuts using Jelly Language, now in version 3.0. This latest release brings many improvements, making it more powerful and easier to use. By building the Jelly CLI, you can access these new features. Open-Jelly Core is a free, open-source project available on GitHub.com/OpenJelly/Open-Jellycore.

Prerequisite

Apple often pushes towards forced obsolescence, making it challenging for users to keep up without frequently purchasing new hardware. This guide is written on a 10+ year old MacPro, demonstrating that you don't need the latest M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips to build the Jelly (aka Jellycore) CLI.

Installing macOS Sonoma with OpenCore Legacy Patcher

My older MacPro works efficiently thanks to ample RAM, which is affordable for older models. Check out Other Worldly Computing's Clearance Section for deals.

To install macOS Sonoma, I used OpenCore Legacy Patcher. This open-source tool modifies the macOS installer, allowing upgrades on older Macs. Watch this YouTube video for a step-by-step installation guide.


Disclaimer: For Those Who Prefer the Path of Lease Resistance

Download Jellycuts.gif

If the idea of using Terminal and command-lilne makes you break out in a cold sweat, fear not! You don't have to endure this kind of agony. Skip the hassle and dive straight into writing and publishing your code effortlessly. Download Jellycuts on iOS and start creating today with no issues at all. Your future self may thank you!


Getting Started

Step 1: Create a Working Directory

Create and navigate to a Developer folder:

mkdir ~/Developer
cd ~/Developer

Step 2: Clone Open-Jellycore from GitHub

Clone the Open-Jellycore repository:

git clone https://github.com/OpenJelly/Open-Jellycore.git
cd ~/Developer/Open-Jellycore/resources

Step 3: Build the Jelly CLI

Run the build script:

bash ./build.sh

You should see output indicating the build is progressing:
Build in Progress
And finally, a successful build:
Build Complete

Step 4: Install the jelly CLI to /usr/local/bin

Move the newly created Jelly CLI to the appropriate directory:

sudo cp ../.build/release/jelly /usr/local/bin/jelly

Step 5: Verify your install

This should return the new where the jelly CLI is located.

which jelly

Step 6 - Create a Shortcut

While still in ~/Developer/Open-Jellycore/resources directory, run this command to create a shortcut.

jelly Hello.jelly --export --out ./helloworld.shortcut

Signing Your Shortcut

When you create your Shortcut, it comes unsigned. This means that you will not be able to install it on iOS or macOS just yet. The next step will be to sign your shortcut using RoutineHub's HubSign Service.

Coming Soon.

Thanks!

By following these steps, you can create a desktop shortcut using Jelly on an Intel-based Mac. As a reminder, if you'd prefer to just start writing code and publishing your work on RoutineHub, download Jellycuts on iOS.