MAST Installation

MAST runs on Java, which enables it to operate on any operating system (MacOS, Windows, Linux) so long as you have a Java Virtual Machine installed. If you follow these steps once, MAST should work fine with each update to the program.

So, to get MAST to work, you’ll need to download the latest Java and Java runtime. Java can be downloaded here. Install that first, then install the Java Runtime (alternatively here).

Windows

If you’re on Windows, the installation will hopefully be straightforward. Install both Java and Java Runtime, and then MAST should be able to run.

Troubleshooting: If this doesn’t work, try uninstalling Java from your computer and then reinstalling it through the Liberica download.

Mac

If you’re on a Mac, things might be a little trickier. First, Macs with an M1 chip need a Java Runtime that is also packaged with JavaFX. We recommend downloading this one, which is installable with a dmg file.

You’ll then need to launch the Terminal application to give commands directly into the computer. If you’re unfamiliar with how to do this, there are many tutorials online that can teach you the basics of navigating your computer with the Terminal using basic commands like change directory (cd) and list (ls).

First you’ll want to make Java executable. To do this, point the Terminal towards the folder that contains Java. Starting at your hard drive, this is likely a file path of something like:

/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk-14.0.1.jdk/Contents/Home/bin

Once the Terminal points at this folder, to execute Java, type:

chmod +x ./java

Next you’ll need to make MAST executable. Put the MAST application file in your Applications (the folder technically doesn’t matter though). Now, you’ll want to get the Terminal to point to your Applications folder. Then for the MAST file type:

chmod +x MASTFILENAME

Here “MASTFILENAME” is the full name of the MAST program you’ve downloaded. Just change the filename in this command code to what your file is called.

Hopefully this will get MAST to work. The first time you launch MAST, right click on the file and choose “Open With”, and then select JavaLauncher.app. It will then probably ask if you’re sure you want to open it (since it’s not a native Mac file), and say yes. If all works right, the file will then open. You can also try launching MAST from the Terminal, with the command “java -jar MASTFILENAME”

Once you add those files, it should hopefully work (so long as all the files are executable). If you make Java and MAST executable once, then it should work for subsequent updates without needing to do all this installation again.

The main challenges you might face is either having your Java files installed, or getting the file to be executable.