An error with pwd and log using command

[Nilima Pisharody]

Hi STATAlisters!

The problem that I have is 2 pronged. I am trying to change my current working directory with the cd command like so:

cd "/Users/npisharody/Documents/Research"

It runs without an issue. But when I try to check what directory I am working in using the pwd command, it returns the following line

macOS refuses to provide that information

I am really not sure what I am doing wrong or if there are any access settings I need to tweak.

The second problem I have is that after changing the directory, I am writing the following code:

capture mkdir "/Log Files"
log using "/Log Files/graphs.log", replace

And it returns:

file /Log Files/graphs.log could not be opened

I have used these commands so many times - and I do not see what the issue is. The rest of the do file is still empty as I am just starting a new code.

Thanks in advance,
Nilima

EDIT: The following line works:

log using "~/Documents/Research/Log Files/graphs.log", replace

There seems to be an error with my referencing that folder. I do not want to be writing the entire path every time I have to open a file or a log or a dataset. It will not only be time-consuming but also be a reading nightmare for the professors I will be sharing my code with. Any help is appreciated.

[Daniel Shin]

Looks like a permission issue, although it is strange (assuming you're logged in as npisharody). Check the following link and see if this resolves the issue:
https://www.stata.com/support/faqs/m...-in-directory/

Can you also check if you have a log file open somewhere? It is possible that the file is "locked" if it has previously been created and the system has not registered it as being closed. A quick system reboot should take care of that if you're still having trouble.

[Nilima Pisharody]

Looks like a permission issue, although it is strange (assuming you're logged in as npisharody). Check the following link and see if this resolves the issue:
https://www.stata.com/support/faqs/m...-in-directory/

Can you also check if you have a log file open somewhere? It is possible that the file is "locked" if it has previously been created and the system has not registered it as being closed. A quick system reboot should take care of that if you're still having trouble.

Hi Daniel,

The permissions are all proper. I checked the link and that didn't really resolve the issue.

I tried writing

capture log close

first as well, if in case any other logs are open. It still gives me the same error.

[Daniel Shin]

The first link was an example, and by the looks of it, not the best example. Try this for the folders in question:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guid.../mchlp1038/mac

Regarding the log, I don't think Stata has it open, so error capturing the log close command won't do anything. Can you see if the log is present in the folder? You will need to resolve that first, or use a different log name as a temporary workarond.

[Nilima Pisharody]

The first link was an example, and by the looks of it, not the best example. Try this for the folders in question:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guid.../mchlp1038/mac

Regarding the log, I don't think Stata has it open, so error capturing the log close command won't do anything. Can you see if the log is present in the folder? You will need to resolve that first, or use a different log name as a temporary workarond.

I checked the permissions. Once again. Rebooted the system. They are all fine. It's still not letting me view the working directory.
The log one - I am not sure what to still. As I said I have used these basic commands so many times - It seems very weird that this is happening now.

[Daniel Shin]

Have you recently upgraded your OS or Stata? I wonder if reinstalling Stata will reset your software permissions with the operating system (you may get a prompt for allowing access). And you an access your folders through Finder or through Terminal, yes?

[William Lisowski]

On macOS or Linux starting a file or directory path with a "/" means it is relative to the root directory "/" rather than to the current directory you are working in. You should replace

capture mkdir "/Log Files"
log using "/Log Files/graphs.log", replace

with

capture mkdir "Log Files"
log using "Log Files/graphs.log", replace

I cannot explain the failure of pwd. What version of Stata are you using?

. about

Stata/SE 16.1 for Mac (64-bit Intel)
Revision 17 Sep 2020
Copyright 1985-2019 StataCorp LLC

[Nilima Pisharody]

William Lisowski
I am on: Stata/MP 16.1

cd "/Users/npisharody/Documents/Research/"

/// Make Folders ///
capture mkdir "Data"
capture mkdir "Log Files"
capture mkdir "Do Files"
  
log using "Log Files/graphs.log", replace
capture log close

still gives me the same error

[William Lisowski]

Delete the three subdirectories in question (or move them out of the Research Folder temporarily, or change their names), and try this code. Copy all the commands and output from your Results window and paste that into a CODE block.

cd "/Users/npisharody/Documents/Research/"
capture noisily pwd
shell pwd
shell ls -la
/// Make Folders ///
capture noisily mkdir "Data"
capture noisily mkdir "Log Files"
capture noisily mkdir "Do Files"
shell ls -la

log using "Log Files/graphs.log", replace
shell ls -la
log close
type "Log Files/graphs.log"

[Song Yao]

I upgraded to Stata 18 recently and ran into the same issue. Any solution found? Thanks a bunch!

[Song Yao]

I found the answer. It seems my Mac does not grant Stata the access to my Documents folder. This link discusses the steps to enable the access: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guid...hld5a35146/mac.
OS: MacOS 13. Stata Version: Stata 18 MP

[Gaston Fernandez]

In case someone ends up on this issue.

After trying to manage data files in my working directory located in OneDrive, I also encountered the error message:

macOS refuses to provide that information

Recently, I updated my macOS software to Sonoma 14.5. After the update, permissions to access files and folders from different applications (Stata included) changed.

Following the steps in this link solved the issue (also posted in #11 above).

OS: macOS 14.5
Stata 17 MP