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macos-ipc-xpc

Implements macOS IPC with XPC services, App Groups, and Darwin notifications.

1|Updated Jun 5, 2026
Search Tags:#macos#ipc#swift concurrency#xpc#app groups#smjobbless#distributed notifications
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill macos-ipc-xpc
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-ipc-xpc
Source: https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills/tree/main/macos-ipc-xpc
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill macos-ipc-xpc

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the challenge of implementing secure, reliable inter-process communication (IPC) on macOS, which is required for privilege separation, cross-process data sharing, and signaling between app components, helper tools, and system daemons without introducing security vulnerabilities.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • XPC Service Implementation: Full support for NSXPCConnection, NSXPCInterface, and @objc protocol setup for Mach-based XPC services, including privilege separation with SMJobBless for root helper tools.
  • Cross-Process State Sharing: App Groups integration for shared NSUserDefaults and file containers between apps and XPC services, plus DistributedNotificationCenter for lightweight cross-process signaling.
  • Use Case: Build a sandboxed macOS app that delegates privileged operations (like system configuration changes) to a separate root helper tool via XPC, while sharing state between the app and helper via App Groups.

Quick Start

Use the macos-ipc-xpc skill to implement a secure XPC service for your sandboxed macOS app that handles privileged operations, with proper caller audit token validation and shared App Group state synchronization.

Frequently Asked Questions about macos-ipc-xpc

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up secure XPC services in macOS for privilege separation?▼

To implement secure XPC services for macOS privilege separation, configure NSXPCConnection and NSXPCInterface with @objc protocols, and use SMJobBless to install root helper tools for privileged operations. This isolates system-level tasks from your sandboxed app.

How does an NSXPCConnection validate connecting clients in a macOS sandbox?▼

An NSXPCConnection validates connecting clients by examining the audit token of the calling process. This macOS security mechanism ensures only authorized apps and helper tools can execute privileged XPC methods within the App Sandbox.

Can I share state between a sandboxed macOS app and an XPC helper tool?▼

Yes, you can share state between a sandboxed macOS app and an XPC helper tool using App Groups. Configuring App Groups enables shared access to NSUserDefaults and file containers for seamless cross-process data synchronization.

What is the best way to signal cross-process events in macOS without XPC overhead?▼

DistributedNotificationCenter provides lightweight cross-process signaling for macOS apps without the overhead of a full XPC connection. It allows simple event broadcasting between app components and helper tools efficiently.

Does Swift concurrency work with NSXPCConnection for asynchronous IPC?▼

Yes, Swift concurrency works with NSXPCConnection by bridging asynchronous XPC calls using Swift async. This allows you to await XPC method responses directly within your Swift concurrency workflows.

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