🖥️launchctl

➡️This is a command-line reference manual for commands and command combinations that you don’t use often enough to remember it. This cheatsheet explains the launchctl command with important options and switches using examples.

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▁ ▂ ▃ ▄ ꧁ 🔴☠ COMMANDLINE-KUNGFU WITH CHEATSHEETS ☠🔴꧂▅ ▃ ▂ ▁

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#  launchctl

# A command-line interface to Apple's launchd manager
# for launch daemons (system-wide services) and launch agents (per-user programs).
# launchd loads XML-based *.plist files placed in the appropriate locations,
# and runs the corresponding commands according to their defined schedule.

# Activate a user-specific agent to be loaded into launchd
# whenever the user logs in:
launchctl load ~/Library/LaunchAgents/my_script.plist

# Activate an agent which requires root privileges to run 
# and/or should be loaded whenever any user logs in (note the absence of ~ in the path):
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchAgents/root_script.plist

# Activate a system-wide daemon to be loaded 
# whenever the system boots up (even if no user logs in):
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/system_daemon.plist

# Show all loaded agents/daemons, with the PID if the process they specify is currently running,
# and the exit code returned the last time they ran:
launchctl list

# Unload a currently loaded agent, e.g. to make changes
# (note: the plist file is automatically loaded into launchd after a reboot and/or logging in):
launchctl unload ~/Library/LaunchAgents/my_script.plist

# Manually run a known (loaded) agent/daemon, even if it isn’t the right time
# (note: this command uses the agent's label, rather than the filename):
launchctl start my_script

# Manually kill the process associated with a known agent/daemon, if it's running:
launchctl stop my_script

Cheatsheets are an excellent complement to other information sources like Linux man-pages, Linux help, or How-To’s and tutorials, as they provide compact and easily accessible information. While man-pages and detailed tutorials often contain comprehensive explanations and extensive guides, cheatsheets summarize the most important options forthe command launchctl in a clear format. This allows users to quickly access the needed information for launchctl without having to sift through lengthy texts. Especially in stressful situations or for recurring tasks, cheatsheets for launchctl are a valuable resource to work efficiently and purposefully.

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