# macFUSE

> software extending macOS's native file handling capabilities

**Wikidata**: [Q130273344](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130273344)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/macfuse

## Summary
macFUSE is a software extension for macOS that enhances the operating system's native file handling capabilities by implementing the Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE) framework. It allows users to create and manage custom file systems without modifying the kernel, making it a powerful tool for developers and advanced users.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Software extension for macOS, implementing Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE)
- **Developer**: Benjamin Fleischer
- **License**: BSD 3-Clause License (as of 2020-10-30)
- **Latest Version**: 4.8.0 (as of 2024-09-11)
- **Development Tools**: Uses Xcode for development
- **Aliases**: FUSE for macOS, FUSE for OSX, osxFUSE
- **Programming Language**: C (as per GitHub repository)
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted
- **Package Managers**: Available via Homebrew (formula: `macfuse`) and MacPorts (port: `osxfuse`)
- **Official Resources**: Website, GitHub repository, issue tracker, wiki, and forum

## FAQs
### Q: What is macFUSE used for?
A: macFUSE is used to extend macOS's file handling capabilities by allowing users to create and manage custom file systems without modifying the kernel. It is particularly useful for developers who need to implement specialized storage solutions.

### Q: How do I install macFUSE?
A: macFUSE can be installed via Homebrew using the command `brew install --cask macfuse` or via MacPorts with `sudo port install osxfuse`. The software is also available for direct download from its official website.

### Q: Is macFUSE compatible with all macOS versions?
A: macFUSE is designed for macOS and requires a compatible version of the operating system. Users should check the official documentation or release notes for specific compatibility details.

### Q: Can macFUSE be used to create encrypted file systems?
A: While macFUSE itself does not provide encryption, it can be used as a framework to implement encrypted file systems by developers who integrate encryption libraries into their applications.

### Q: Where can I report issues or seek support for macFUSE?
A: Users can report issues on the official GitHub issue tracker or join the macFUSE Google Group forum for community support and discussions.

## Why It Matters
macFUSE plays a crucial role in the macOS ecosystem by enabling developers to create custom file systems without kernel modifications. This flexibility is particularly valuable for advanced users and developers who need to implement specialized storage solutions, such as encrypted file systems or cloud storage integrations. By leveraging the Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE) framework, macFUSE bridges the gap between macOS's native file handling and the needs of modern applications, fostering innovation in file system technology. Its open-source nature and compatibility with package managers like Homebrew and MacPorts make it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring its continued relevance in the macOS development community.

## Notable For
- **Kernel-Level Access Without Kernel Modifications**: macFUSE allows users to create custom file systems without requiring kernel-level access, making it a powerful tool for developers.
- **Open-Source Development**: The project is open-source, with its source code available on GitHub, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: While primarily for macOS, the underlying FUSE framework is Unix-like, making macFUSE a bridge between macOS and other Unix-based systems.
- **Integration with macOS Ecosystem**: macFUSE is compatible with macOS's native file handling, allowing seamless integration with other macOS applications and services.
- **Active Community Support**: The project maintains an active issue tracker, wiki, and forum, ensuring users can find support and documentation.

## Body
### Overview
macFUSE is a macOS implementation of the Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE) framework, allowing users to create and manage custom file systems without modifying the kernel. Developed by Benjamin Fleischer, it is distributed under the BSD 3-Clause License and is available for installation via Homebrew and MacPorts.

### Development and Releases
The project is developed using Xcode and is written primarily in C. macFUSE has undergone several stable releases, with the latest version being 4.8.0 as of 2024-09-11. Previous stable versions include 3.5.0 through 3.6.0, each released between 2016 and 2017.

### Compatibility and Integration
macFUSE is compatible with macOS and integrates with the operating system's native file handling capabilities. It can be used to create encrypted file systems and other specialized storage solutions. The software is available for direct download from its official website, with additional support and documentation available on GitHub and the official forum.

### Community and Support
macFUSE benefits from an active community, with users able to report issues on the GitHub issue tracker and seek support on the official Google Group forum. The project also maintains a wiki for additional documentation and resources.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.0.0)
2. [Source](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/tree/support/osxfuse-3)
3. [Release 3.5.0. 2016](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.0)
4. [Release 3.5.1. 2016](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.1)
5. [Release 3.5.2. 2016](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.2)
6. [Release 3.5.3. 2016](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.3)
7. [Release 3.5.4. 2016](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.4)
8. [Release 3.5.5. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.5)
9. [Release 3.5.6. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.6)
10. [Release 3.5.8. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.5.8)
11. [Release 3.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.6.0)
12. [Release 3.6.2. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.6.2)
13. [Release 3.6.3. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.6.3)
14. [Release 3.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.7.0)
15. [Release 3.7.1. 2017](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.7.1)
16. [Release 3.8.0. 2018](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.8.0)
17. [Release 3.8.2. 2018](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.8.2)
18. [Release 3.8.3. 2018](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.8.3)
19. [Release 3.9.0. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.9.0)
20. [Release 3.9.1. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.9.1)
21. [Release 3.9.2. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.9.2)
22. [Release 3.10.0. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.0)
23. [Release 3.10.2. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.2)
24. [Release 3.10.3. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.3)
25. [Release 3.10.4. 2019](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.4)
26. [Release 3.10.5. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.5)
27. [Release 3.10.6. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.10.6)
28. [Release 3.11.0. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.11.0)
29. [Release 3.11.1. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.11.1)
30. [Release 3.11.2. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/osxfuse-3.11.2)
31. [Release 4.0.4. 2020](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.0.4)
32. [Release 4.0.5. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.0.5)
33. [Release 4.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.1.0)
34. [Release 4.1.1. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.1.1)
35. [Release 4.1.2. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.1.2)
36. [Release 4.2.1. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.2.1)
37. [Release 4.2.3. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.2.3)
38. [Release 4.2.4. 2021](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.2.4)
39. [Release 4.2.5. 2022](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.2.5)
40. [Release 4.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.4.0)
41. [Release 4.4.1. 2022](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.4.1)
42. [Release 4.4.2. 2023](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.4.2)
43. [Release 4.4.3. 2023](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.4.3)
44. [Release 4.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.5.0)
45. [Release 4.6.0. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.6.0)
46. [Release 4.6.1. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.6.1)
47. [Release 4.6.2. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.6.2)
48. [Release 4.7.1. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.7.1)
49. [Release 4.7.2. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.7.2)
50. [Release 4.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/osxfuse/osxfuse/releases/tag/macfuse-4.8.2)