How to run DOS program in macOS

Running DOS programs on a modern operating system like macOS can be nostalgic and useful, especially when using applications or games that haven't been ported to contemporary platforms.

The macOS environment doesn't naturally support the execution of DOS-based applications. But through the use of emulators, you can emulate the DOS environment and run your favorite applications or games just like in the old days.

DOSBox-x is one of the most popular and widely recommended emulators for this purpose. Not only does it provide a comprehensive DOS environment, but it also supports a variety of hardware configurations, making it an ideal choice for various DOS-based applications and games.

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