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Lexicon Entry

Mach Microkernel

A microkernel that forms the foundation of the XNU kernel. It manages low-level system resources, primarily focusing on tasks (resource containers), threads (execution units), and inter-process communication via ports.

Related Knowledge & Cross-References

Guide

macOS Execution: Mach Tasks vs. BSD Processes

A deep dive into the Darwin/XNU kernel. We explore the architectural divide between Mach Tasks and Threads, and how standard BSD POSIX APIs like fork() are illusions layered over Mach primitives.