mdfind

The mdfind command line tool is a powerful utility in macOS that allows users to search for files and metadata in the Spotlight index. It is a command-line interface to the Spotlight search functionality.

With mdfind, you can search for files based on various attributes such as file name, content, creation date, file size, file type, and more. The tool utilizes the metadata attributes stored in the Spotlight index to quickly locate files matching the search criteria.

mdfind supports advanced search queries using boolean operators, allowing users to combine multiple search conditions. This enables complex searches with multiple criteria to narrow down the results and find specific files.

The tool can also display additional information about the files found, such as their path, file type, and related metadata. It provides a flexible way to filter and sort the search results, making it easier to find the desired files.

mdfind is a versatile tool that can be integrated with other command line utilities. Users can pipe the search results to other commands, allowing them to perform further operations on the files found.

It is a useful tool for both general users and developers, providing a fast and efficient way to search for files and information on macOS systems.