afplay

The "afplay" command line tool is a utility that is specific to macOS. It allows users to play audio files from the command line interface without having to launch any separate applications or media players. The tool is designed to work with various audio file formats, including WAV, AIFF, and MP3.

Using "afplay" is straightforward. Simply enter the command "afplay" followed by the path to the audio file you want to play, and the tool will start playing the file. It also supports various options, such as adjusting volume levels, setting specific start and end times for playback, and even playing audio from a URL.

One of the benefits of using "afplay" is its simplicity and ease of use. It provides a quick way to play audio files without needing to rely on more complex media players or GUI applications. It is also suitable for automation or scripting tasks, as you can incorporate the "afplay" command into scripts to play audio files at specific times or trigger playback based on certain conditions.

However, it is important to note that "afplay" lacks the extensive features and customization options that other dedicated media players offer. Its primary purpose is to provide a basic audio playback functionality from the command line, making it ideal for simple audio tasks or integration with scripts.