Command line not working on/ in Desktop folder

[markiv810]

I am not able to use any Unix commands on Desktop. I get the error "ls: .: Operation not permitted"

 

[BrianBaughn]

Not sure where you are. After I "cd" to the Desktop the command looks like this:

MyComputer:Desktop myaccount$ ls

 

[BigBlur]

Make sure Terminal has access to the Desktop folder (System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy -> Files and Folders).

 

[markiv810]

Make sure Terminal has access to the Desktop folder (System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy -> Files and Folders).

View attachment 1942049

Thanks a million, but why would Apple do this. Terminal should have access to each and every file and folder; specially home folder and subfolders (to one's home folder).

 

[BigBlur]

Thanks a million, but why would Apple do this. Terminal should have access to each and every file and folder; specially home folder and subfolders (to one's home folder).

My guess it's a security thing for the average user that might not use Terminal frequently...so scripts can't access these folders. I first noticed it in Big Sur, but apparently it began since Mojave. If you use Terminal a lot, another option would be to just give Terminal Full Disk Access rather than specifying individual folders.