What runs automatically.
WHAT LAUNCHD DOES
Manages system and user processes, including those starting at boot or login, and scheduled work.
WHAT IT REPLACED
Older mechanisms, which should not be used.
WHAT A DAEMON IS
A process running system-wide, without a user session.
WHAT AN AGENT IS
A process running within a user's session.
WHERE THEIR DEFINITIONS LIVE
Library directories, with scope determining which one.
WHAT A DEFINITION SPECIFIES
What to run
When: at load, on a schedule, on a condition
Whether to keep it running Where output goes
WHAT TO USE FOR SCHEDULED WORK
This mechanism, rather than the older Unix scheduler.
WHY
It handles machines that are asleep at the scheduled time.
WHAT TO CHECK WHEN SOMETHING RUNS UNEXPECTEDLY
The loaded definitions, and login items.
WHAT ACCUMULATES
Definitions left by uninstalled software.
WHAT TO REVIEW
What is loaded, periodically.
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Definitions you do not recognise, which are a common persistence mechanism for unwanted software.
