Cheat sheet

Schedule a task with launchd

• Create a Property List XML file (.plist) to define the job and schedule

• Verify the plist file with plutil -lint <plist_file>

• For User Agents, copy the plist file to $HOME/Library/LaunchAgents

• Load the job with launchctl bootstrap gui/$(id -u) <plist_file>

• Resources

  • A launchd Tutorial (opens in a new tab)
  • Creating a launchd Property List File (opens in a new tab)
  • Scheduling Timed Jobs (opens in a new tab)
  • launchctl Man Page - macOS - SS64.com (opens in a new tab)