The ~/Library/Application Support folder is a critical directory in macOS where applications store their support files, configuration data, and additional resources. Here's a comprehensive overview:
- Primary Purpose:
- Store application-specific data that isn't directly part of the application's core executable
- Contains settings, preferences, caches, and other supporting files for installed applications
- Allows apps to maintain their state and configuration between launches
- Typical Contents:
- Configuration files
- Preference settings
- Cached data
- Application-specific databases
- Plugins and extensions
- Custom resources used by applications
- Examples of What You Might Find:
- Spotify's local music caches
- Visual Studio Code's user settings
- Adobe application preferences
- Game save files
- Custom dictionaries for text applications
- Cached data for productivity apps