OnyX — An Interview with Joël Barrière
Joël Barrière explains how OnyX grew from four checkboxes into a free Mac utility that he has maintained for more than twenty years.
Since its public release in 2003, OnyX has made many macOS maintenance tasks and hidden settings accessible through a graphical interface. For My Mac Apps Story, I asked its creator, Joël Barrière, how it grew from four checkboxes into a long-lasting free utility, how he follows changes in macOS without formal computer science training, and why he continues to support Mac users more than twenty years later.
Interview by Ighor July for Reverse Everything.
Interview
Ighor July
What originally inspired you to create OnyX?
Joël Barrière
Since System 7, I have always enjoyed tinkering with system files. I used ResEdit to modify resources, translate applications and the System, and change how they worked. For several years, I was the official translator for PlayerPRO, a SoundTracker application. In the 1990s, I also developed a floppy disk formatter in 68000 assembly for an Atari computer, which I named OnyX.
In 2001, when Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah was released, I read about a Terminal command that could repair permissions and solve certain problems. I created a small AppleScript application that ran this command and another one that forced the three system maintenance scripts to execute. It had four checkboxes, an OK button, and a Cancel button. I simply gave this new application the same name as my old floppy disk formatter.
I used this “new” OnyX myself for several weeks. At first, I shared it with some Mac users on forums. I then added more options, including deleting cache files, rebuilding the locate database, and force-emptying the Trash. I also added hidden settings, such as disabling graphical effects and displaying a shadow around the Dock. Users suggested even more features.
OnyX began as something I developed for my own needs, but many users asked me to make it available to everyone, so I created a website. Little by little, OnyX gained many options and customizations, and volunteers helped me translate it into different languages.
Ighor July
What have been the greatest technical challenges involved in maintaining it over the years, particularly as macOS, Mac hardware, file systems, and Apple’s security architecture have changed?
Joël Barrière
I think the greatest challenges have been the changes in programming languages. I began with AppleScript, then moved to AppleScript Studio, and finally to AppleScriptObjC. My next challenge is Swift.
I regularly keep up with changes in macOS. Even so, some features and bug fixes can take a long time to complete.
For security, I joined the Apple Developer Program so I could obtain a Developer ID, and I notarize all my applications before distributing them outside the Mac App Store. I do not use the Mac App Store because it has too many restrictions and updates take too long. On the official website, I publish an update every one or two months. I have sometimes released another update only a few days later to fix a bug that I found annoying. That kind of rapid update would not be possible for me through the Mac App Store.
Ighor July
OnyX works closely with many parts of macOS that have changed significantly over the years. How do you discover, understand, and verify those changes before releasing support for a new macOS version?
Joël Barrière
I spend a great deal of time researching changes online and testing them. It is necessary. I remove outdated features and add new ones whenever possible, as long as they are within my abilities.
I have never studied or received formal training in computer science. I am entirely self-taught, but OnyX is not a vibe-coded application. I use AI only to optimize some parts of the code and improve the application’s speed, stability, and robustness.
Ighor July
What motivates you to continue developing and supporting OnyX after more than twenty years?
Joël Barrière
Simply because it is one of my passions, alongside music and motorcycles. Even though OnyX is free, I believe it is important to answer users’ questions and try to solve any problems they encounter. Some paid applications do not even provide technical support worthy of the name.
Ighor July
How has user feedback influenced its development? Were there any important features, changes, or decisions that came directly from users?
Joël Barrière
Over the years, OnyX users have suggested many features and changes. I have incorporated most of these suggestions into the app, but not all of them. For example, I do not think removing languages from applications is a good idea. It has more disadvantages than advantages. Removing languages can cause some applications to stop working. It also breaks their code signatures and invalidates their notarization, while saving very little disk space today.
Ighor July
OnyX has remained completely free for more than two decades. What has enabled you to continue maintaining it under this model for so long?
Joël Barrière
From the beginning, I have always said that OnyX is and will remain free so that every Mac user can use it. I keep my word!
I receive donations that, as we say in French, put a little butter in the spinach. They help me pay for the Apple Developer Program, the domain name, and website hosting. With the help of users, I have also been able to replace my Mac every four or five years on average.
Ighor July
What advice would you give to independent developers who hope to maintain and support their apps for ten years or longer?
Joël Barrière
That is difficult to say because I am a slightly unusual case. For me, it is not really a job. I am not trying to make money by developing OnyX. I only want to help Mac users.
I think it is important to release regular updates, talk about the app on forums, respond to emails from every user, and be patient, especially at the beginning. Word of mouth will do the rest.
This interview is part of the developer interview series connected to My Mac Apps Story, Part 5.