How to run DOS program in macOS

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.

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