After installing the awslocal CLI with pip3, I am seeing this in my terminal while checking the CLI options: zsh: command not found: awslocal

2 min read 06-10-2024
After installing the awslocal CLI with pip3, I am seeing this in my terminal while checking the CLI options: zsh: command not found: awslocal


"zsh: command not found: awslocal" - Troubleshooting AWS Local CLI Installation

Are you trying to use the AWS Local CLI but getting the dreaded "zsh: command not found: awslocal" error? This usually happens after successfully installing the CLI with pip3, leaving you scratching your head.

Let's break down this common issue and provide a step-by-step guide to fix it.

Understanding the Problem:

The "zsh: command not found: awslocal" error signifies that your terminal shell (zsh in this case) cannot locate the "awslocal" executable file after installing the AWS Local CLI.

Rephrasing the Problem:

Imagine you have a toolbox filled with various tools, but when you need a specific tool (awslocal), you can't find it. This is similar to what's happening with your terminal. You've installed the tool (awslocal) but your terminal is unable to access it.

Scenario and Original Code:

Scenario: You successfully installed the AWS Local CLI using pip3:

pip3 install awslocal

Original Code (checking for awslocal):

awslocal --help 

Result: The output in your terminal is:

zsh: command not found: awslocal

Analysis and Solutions:

Here's a breakdown of common reasons for this error and how to resolve them:

  1. Incorrect Installation Path: Pip3 might have installed the AWS Local CLI in a location your shell doesn't have access to.

    • Solution: Ensure your PATH environment variable includes the installation directory.
      • You can find the location of the installed package using pip3 show awslocal and then add the location of the 'awslocal' executable (usually 'bin' folder) to your PATH variable.
  2. Shell Configuration: Your shell might need to be updated to recognize the newly installed CLI.

    • Solution: Close and reopen your terminal. This usually refreshes the shell environment and makes the new installation accessible.
  3. Virtual Environment: If you're using a virtual environment, the installed AWS Local CLI might be within the virtual environment's context.

    • Solution: Activate your virtual environment before running awslocal commands.
  4. Permissions Issues: The installed CLI might have insufficient permissions.

    • Solution: Run the following command to change permissions:
      sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /usr/local/bin/awslocal
      
      (Replace $USER with your username)

Additional Tips:

  • Verify installation: After the installation, try pip3 show awslocal to check if the package is properly installed.
  • Run as Administrator: If you're facing issues, try running your terminal as administrator.
  • Check Documentation: For specific platform-related issues, consult the official AWS Local CLI documentation: https://github.com/aws/awslocal

Conclusion:

By understanding the reasons behind the "zsh: command not found: awslocal" error and applying the appropriate solutions, you'll be able to successfully use the AWS Local CLI for your local development. Remember to always consult the documentation for specific guidance and troubleshoot issues systematically.