Virtualization and emulation are some ways to run a program compiled for other systems or operating systems, and each comes with pros and cons.

The easiest way to run DOS programs in macOS is by using DOSBox-x. DOSBox-x is a cross-platform emulator for DOS programs that can be installed on macOS using homebrew.

Steps to run DOS progam in macOS using DOSBox-X:

  1. Launch terminal.
  2. Install Homebrew from the terminal.
    $ /usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
  3. Install DOSBox-X via homebrew.
    $ brew install dosbox-x
    Warning: Treating dosbox-x as a formula. For the cask, use homebrew/cask/dosbox-x
    ##### snipped
    ==> Installing dependencies for dosbox-x: libogg, flac, libvorbis, opus, libsndfile, portaudio, fluid-synth, libslirp and sdl2
    ==> Installing dosbox-x dependency: libogg
    ##### snipped
    ==> Running `brew cleanup dosbox-x`...
    Disable this behaviour by setting HOMEBREW_NO_INSTALL_CLEANUP.
    Hide these hints with HOMEBREW_NO_ENV_HINTS (see `man brew`).</ dosbox-x Downloads/Golden\ axe/GOLD.EXE
    LOG: Early LOG Init complete
    LOG: DOSBox-X's working directory: /Users/shakir
    LOG: Logging init: beginning logging proper. This is the end of the early init logging
    LOG: Logging: No logfile was given. All further logging will be discarded.
    LOG: DOSBox-X version 0.84.1 (macOS SDL2)
    LOG: macOS EXE path: dosbox-x
    ##### snipped
  4. Download your DOS programs or games if you don't already have one.

    Related: Abandonware DOS

  5. Run your program's executable from DOSBox-X.
    $ dosbox-x Downloads/Golden\ Axe/GOLD.EXE
    LOG: Early LOG Init complete
    LOG: DOSBox-X's working directory: /Users/shakir
    LOG: Logging init: beginning logging proper. This is the end of the early init logging
    LOG: Logging: No logfile was given. All further logging will be discarded.
    LOG: DOSBox-X version 0.84.1 (macOS SDL2)
    ##### snipped
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