launchctl

macos

Control 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.

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Examples (7)

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 is not the right time (Note: This command uses the agent's label, rather than the filename)

launchctl start script_file

Manually kill the process associated with a known agent/daemon, if it is running

launchctl stop script_file

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