The variable branch_execution is not defined. (-2753)

[iluvcrap2000]

I get this, how do I fix this? thx

[section83]

Hello iluvcrap2000,

Apologies for the error. I did a lot of testing for the 1.29.2 release but, must have missed something.

Can you tell me what you were doing when you got that error ?

[iluvcrap2000]

Sure running osx13.0.1, updated it via brew, first run of new version, dl a vid from YT. Then got that error. so downloaded another (sameversion) direct from github, see if that fixed it, got same message. thx.

[section83]

Thanks for that info. I have had no problems running on a MacBook Air with macOS 12 – macOS 13 should also be fine.

I find Homebrew hard to handle in MacYTDL. Do use Homebrew for yt-dlp and/or FFmpeg ?

I'll have to setup another Mac with a Homebrew install but need to know which formulae you have.

[section83]

I have set up a 2017 MacBook with Homebrew install of yt-dlp. It took a very long time. Tried to brew FFmpeg also but got an error – the MacBook is too old.

Anyway, MacYTDL worked normally with a Homebrew install of yt-dlp. You should see this in the "Utilities" dialog:

Please let me know if you are using a Homebrew install of FFmpeg.

I cannot recommend using the Homebrew installs unless needed for other projects. It's very hard to make MacYDL friendly with Homebrew installs. Anyway, MacYTDL has an easy process for keeping yt-dlp and FFmpeg up-to-date.

The "variable branch_execution is not defined" error has probably been caused a rare case following the restructure I had to do in v1.29.2. It's very frustrating as I'm running MacYTDL on three Macs of different ages and not seeing that error. I'm downloading from YT and catchup TV with and without remuxing and a variety of other settings. I've also manually checked all the code and can't find a missing definition for the branch_execution variable. So, I need more detail on the context for the error you are seeing:

• MacYTDL version;
• yt-dlp version installed and whether with Homebrew;
• FFmpeg version installed and whether with Homebrew;
• macOS version;
• Mac architecture - Intel or Apple Silicon; and
• URL of video being downloaded.

Can you describe the process ? A detailed "I clicked here" and "typed that" kind of description will help me find the code which is the problem.

Many thanks.

Garry

[iluvcrap2000]

macYTDL , Version 1.29.2, 9 June 2025
yt-dlp 2025.6.30 HB
ffmpeg 7.1.1 HB
Ventura 13.0.1 Intel
Mostly yt stuff.

Noticed that sometimes the directory that I save it to that it'll give me that message recently, so if I change the directory it'll allow to download. my Harddrives is split in to different partitions over two drives, so I have about 6 partitions on my desktop(old school about protecting file space). Try switching where you save the file to, maybe to a usb drive as well? I also use Cakebrew to manage my brew installs so I don't have to go through the terminal. otherwise the simple downloads of yt work fine, except some copyrighted ones that yt tries to protect that i've noticed that it's hard to download, but that's a few. Thanks for looking in to it.

[bootyberry]

I'm getting this error the first time using macYTDL. If I save to the Desktop, it works. Any other directory crashes the app with branch_execution is not defined.

[section83]

iluvcrap2000 – Apologies for taking so long to reply. Many thanks for the extra info. I'll try to work tru what's happening.

bootyberry – Apologies also. I need to sift thru the code again to find the case when branch_execution is not defined. It's a basic error but, that variable is used a lot.

As mentioned, it's very frustrating as I run MacYTDL on three Macs running different versions of macOS and with different settings etc. I never see that error. Perhaps your mention of different save locations is a clue.

BTW, the yt-dlp developers have deprecated yt-dlp_mac_legacy. In future yt-dlp releases will be macOS 10.15+.

Thanks.

[Dorkington]

I ran into this error myself when using an external drive as my download location, even with adding full disk access to macytdl. But, if I change the location back to ~/Downloads it's fine. macOS14.6

[section83]

Hi everyone, thank you for posting these details. I still don't understand what's happening – on my own Mac, I nearly always download videos to an external drive. Sometimes, I change to the Desktop (which is my "Downloads" folder). I haven't seen a "branch_execution is not defined" error since June. I've started combing thru the code to try to find the bug. Please let me know if you have anything "unusual" in your setup e.g.: Homebrew; "Home" folder setup on an external volume.

If you are able, and you are still having this issue, please email to me a copy of this file:

[Your Mac]/Users/[Your home]/Library/Preferences/MacYTDL/MacYTDL.plist

Many thanks for your patience.

Garry

[Dorkington]

New data point, creating a folder from macytdl within my external drive worked without issue. So I'm assuming it's a permissions thing at this point, just not exactly sure what.

[section83]

Can you compare the permissions on folders that work with those which don't ?

I recommend giving MacYTDL "Full Disk Access" in System Settings/Privacy & Security. Even then, I've seen security dialogs when apps try to access the Downloads, Desktop and Documents folders and external volumes.

Even so, MacYTDL shouldn't crash because of permissions. I'll keep on trawling through the code.

Thanks.