BitBar

BitBar

BitBar is a free and open-source application for macOS that allows you to put output from any script or program right in your Mac's menu bar. It provides quick access to information from the command line.
BitBar image
menu-bar macos open-source monitoring scripting

BitBar: Free, Open-Source Menu Bar App for macOS

A lightweight application for macOS that brings command-line output to your menu bar, providing quick access to information and scripts.

What is BitBar?

BitBar is a free and open-source application developed for macOS that enables users to customize the menu bar on their Mac with output from any script or program. It provides a simple way to display various types of information in a convenient drop-down menu.

Some of the key features of BitBar include:

  • Display output from any script or program - Bash, Python, Perl, Ruby, etc.
  • Fully customizable - choose what information is displayed and how it's formatted
  • Refresh scripts at customized intervals - set each script to update as often as needed
  • Quick access to frequently needed info - check servers, APIs, system resources without having to open apps or terminals
  • Lightweight and open-source - uses minimal system resources
  • Free and easy to install - just download, make scripts executable, and add to menu bar

BitBar makes it easy for developers, IT professionals, system administrators and power users to put snippets of timely information right in the menu bar. Whether it's server monitoring, shutting down/sleep/restart, checking mail or Twitter, controlling iTunes, or any kind of command line output, BitBar can handle it.

BitBar Features

Features

  1. Displays output of any script/program in menu bar
  2. Supports bash, python, ruby, applescript, etc
  3. Customizable refresh intervals
  4. Clickable menus & menu icons
  5. Notifications & sounds

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Simple & lightweight

Highly customizable

Open source & free

Easy access to scripts/tools

Works with many languages

Cons

Mac only

Steep learning curve

Can be resource intensive if not optimized

Limited documentation

No GUI configuration


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