Create directory “/dotenv” on MacOs, Read-only file system

Question

I tried to create a directory under root (the directory when I open terminal)

sudo mkdir /dotenv

But the system says:

mkdir: /dotenv: Read-only file system

My OS is Catalina 10.15.2

Is there any way to create the dir? I need to run a node.js server locally which requires .env file in the /dotenv dir

Answer 1

You'll need to use mkdir dotenv if you are at your profile root (which it appears you are). That was the only way I could get it to work (I am on Catalina 10.15.3 ).

Using mkdir /dotenv (notice the / ) I got the same error as you.

If you really want to, you can disable the read-only file system in Catalina by following these steps (which are also listed below).

Problem because of Read-only file system in mac os catalina

• Boot you mac system into recovery mode. (by bootup system with holding CMD+R).

• Open terminal (Present in "Utilities" in the top left menu).

• Just run command

  • csrutil disable

• Restart your system and Bootup normally

• Before doing any activity open terminal and run command.

  • sudo mount -uw /

Once this all done you can do write in root location

Answer 2

1. Require the result in command: csrutil status
2. If result is enabled, you need to restart machine and press command + R , open the terminal in the recovery, so input csrutil diabled .
3. Restart, and check the status: csrutil status .

Here are two methods:

1. you are root.

   sudo mount -uw / so, you could mkdir or touch new file.

2. If you still can't read or write any, you maybe try this:

   cd ~ # cd home directory sudo vim /etc/synthetic.conf # create new file if this doesn't exist

In the conf files, add new line

dotenv /User/xx/dotenv # Notice: the space between this two strings is tab

Restart, and you will find a link named /dotenv in the root.