MacOS Services

macOS Services (launchd)

Description

On macOS, `launchd` is the system-wide service manager that starts, stops, and manages daemons and agents. You can interact with it using the `launchctl` command-line tool.

Services are defined in two main types:

• LaunchAgents: These are executed for a specific user only when that user logs into a graphical session.
• LaunchDaemons: These are invoked when the system boots and run independently of any user session.

Service File Locations (Namespaces)

The property list (`.plist`) files that define how a service should run are stored in specific directories:

System-Wide (Administrator-provided)

• `/Library/LaunchDaemons`: For system-wide daemons.
• `/Library/LaunchAgents`: For agents that should be available to all users.

User-Specific

• `~/Library/LaunchAgents`: For agents provided by and running as the current user.

Managing Services with `launchctl`

You can control services using the `launchctl` command.

To enable and start a service:

launchctl load /path/to/your/service.plist

To disable and stop a service:

launchctl unload /path/to/your/service.plist