Glossary/macOS Keychain & security
security command
security is the built-in macOS command-line tool for interacting with the Keychain: adding items, finding a stored password, and deleting entries, all from a terminal or a script rather than the Keychain Access app's interface.
Why it matters
It is powerful but unforgiving: a small mistake in a security command can create a duplicate or oddly-named entry, and the syntax for finding a generic password is not especially memorable for occasional use.
Is the security command safe to use directly?
Yes, it is the same mechanism Apple's own apps use, it is just a lower-level tool than most people want for everyday use.
Does Claude Keychain replace the security command?
It replaces the need to type it yourself for API keys, but it uses the same command underneath.
Related
Looking for a different way to manage your keys? See the best Claude Code API key manager alternatives, or browse every term in the glossary.