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fix: add postinstall script to fix node-pty spawn-helper permissions on macOS #294

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fix: add postinstall script to fix node-pty spawn-helper permissions on macOS #294

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fix: add postinstall script to fix node-pty spawn-helper permissions …
Jan 12, 2026
1b90ff2
fix: address review feedback
Jan 12, 2026
e388764
Merge branch 'main' into fix/node-pty-spawn-helper-permissions
amacsmith Jan 18, 2026
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Update README.md
amacsmith Jan 18, 2026
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Merge branch 'main' into fix/node-pty-spawn-helper-permissions
viper151 Jan 26, 2026
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23 changes: 23 additions & 0 deletions README.md
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Expand Up @@ -319,6 +319,29 @@ We welcome contributions! Please follow these guidelines:

### Common Issues & Solutions

#### Shell/Terminal Fails with "posix_spawnp failed" (macOS)
**Problem**: When clicking "Continue in Shell" or starting a terminal session, you see:
```
Error: posix_spawnp failed.
```
With a stack trace referencing `node-pty/lib/unixTerminal.js`.

**Cause**: The `node-pty` package's `spawn-helper` binary may be missing execute permissions after installation. This commonly happens on macOS when:
- Installing via `npx` or `pnpm`
- The npm tarball doesn't preserve the execute bit
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Copilot AI Jan 18, 2026

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The troubleshooting section describes the issue as "commonly happens on macOS when installing via npx or pnpm" but the postinstall script will run for all package managers (npm, yarn, pnpm, etc.) on all platforms. Consider clarifying in the documentation that while the issue commonly occurs with certain package managers on macOS, the postinstall fix applies universally. Alternatively, if the issue is truly specific to certain installation methods, the documentation should explain why the postinstall script may not always be sufficient.

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@amacsmith amacsmith Jan 18, 2026

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@copilot open a new pull request to apply changes based on this feedback

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@amacsmith amacsmith Jan 18, 2026

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@copilot open a new pull request to apply changes based on this feedback


**Solution**: Run this command from the project root (or global install location):
```bash
chmod +x node_modules/node-pty/prebuilds/darwin-*/spawn-helper
```

For Intel Macs, the path is `darwin-x64`. For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), it's `darwin-arm64`.

**Permanent Fix**: This project includes a `postinstall` script that automatically fixes permissions. If you still encounter the issue:
1. Delete `node_modules` and reinstall: `rm -r node_modules && npm install`
2. Verify the fix: `ls -la node_modules/node-pty/prebuilds/darwin-*/spawn-helper` (should show `-rwxr-xr-x`)

**Related Issues**: [#284](https://github.com/siteboon/claudecodeui/issues/284)

#### "No Claude projects found"
**Problem**: The UI shows no projects or empty project list
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