fontdiff is using old tools

[marekjez86]

For example,

• gyp is based on python 2.x (and it fails to generate make file)
• I found an old makefile but it fails to build fontdiff (errors) on Mac OS Catalina
• I found the old binary on my old computer and I'm going to check if it still works (if it does I might check it in :-))

[marekjez86]

@anthrotype : I know more about the problems

[anthrotype]

does the pre-compiled binary "fontdiff-osx.zip" in the latest fontdiff release work for you? https://github.com/googlefonts/fontdiff/releases/tag/v0.2.3

[anthrotype]

I tried the "fontdiff-osx.zip" from the release page and Catalina didn't let me run it, I got an error message saying that "macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware", and only options are "Move to bin" or "Cancel".. :(

I then followed the build instructions on the README.md and I was able to successfully build the binary on my local macbook pro which like yours is also running macOS Catalina 10.15.6.

I uploaded it here, maybe you can try this one: fontdiff-osx.zip

If you copy/paste the exact error messages that you are getting maybe I can help debugging this.

[anthrotype]

The copy that I myself built from source does seem to work on my machine at least.

[m4rc1e]

I tried the "fontdiff-osx.zip" from the release page and Catalina didn't let me run it, I got an error message saying that "macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware", and only options are "Move to bin" or "Cancel".. :(

I believe this is happening because the app is from an "unidentified developer", https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh40616/mac.

To solve this In OS X, right click on font diff and click the following:

Once you've done this, you should be able to exec font diff from the cli.

I'm also running Catalina and it works fine for me.