# KextViewr

> utility software for macOS

**Wikidata**: [Q125475198](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125475198)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kextviewr

## Summary
KextViewr is an open-source utility software for macOS developed by Objective-See. It allows users to inspect and analyze kernel extensions (kexts) running on their system, providing transparency into the software components loaded at the kernel level. The latest stable version is 2.0.0, released in February 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Utility software for macOS
- **Developer**: Objective-See (inception: 2015)
- **License**: Open-source (permissive license)
- **Latest Version**: 2.0.0 (released: 2023-02-21)
- **Programming Language**: Objective-C (inception: 1984)
- **Operating System**: macOS (inception: 2001-03-24)
- **Website**: [https://objective-see.org/products/kextviewr.html](https://objective-see.org/products/kextviewr.html)
- **Source Code**: [GitHub repository](https://github.com/objective-see/KextViewr)

## FAQs
### Q: What is KextViewr used for?
A: KextViewr is a macOS utility that allows users to inspect and analyze kernel extensions (kexts) running on their system, providing visibility into the software components loaded at the kernel level.

### Q: Is KextViewr open-source?
A: Yes, KextViewr is open-source software with a permissive license, allowing users to freely use and redistribute it while accessing its original source code.

### Q: Who developed KextViewr?
A: KextViewr was developed by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization founded in 2015.

### Q: What programming language was KextViewr written in?
A: KextViewr was written in Objective-C, a high-level, object-oriented programming language first introduced in 1984.

### Q: What is the latest stable version of KextViewr?
A: The latest stable version of KextViewr is 2.0.0, released on February 21, 2023.

## Why It Matters
KextViewr plays a crucial role in macOS security and transparency by enabling users to inspect kernel extensions (kexts), which are essential system components that run with elevated privileges. By providing visibility into these components, KextViewr helps users identify potentially malicious or unauthorized kexts, enhancing system security. As an open-source tool developed by Objective-See, a trusted organization in macOS security, KextViewr aligns with the broader goal of promoting transparency and security in the macOS ecosystem. Its development reflects a commitment to empowering users with the tools needed to understand and protect their systems.

## Notable For
- **Transparency in macOS**: One of the few tools that allows users to inspect kernel extensions (kexts) running on macOS.
- **Open-Source Development**: Developed by Objective-See, a non-profit organization known for creating open-source security tools for macOS.
- **Kernel-Level Insights**: Provides detailed information about kexts, which are critical for system stability and security.
- **Permissive License**: Offers users the freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software under a permissive open-source license.
- **Objective-C Implementation**: Written in Objective-C, a language widely used in macOS development, ensuring compatibility and integration with macOS systems.

## Body
### Overview
KextViewr is a utility software designed for macOS that enables users to inspect and analyze kernel extensions (kexts). Kexts are essential system components that run with elevated privileges, making them a critical aspect of macOS security and functionality. KextViewr provides transparency by allowing users to view detailed information about these extensions, helping them identify potentially malicious or unauthorized kexts.

### Development and Release
KextViewr was developed by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization founded in 2015. The organization is headquartered in Kula, United States, and is dedicated to creating open-source security tools for macOS. The latest stable version of KextViewr is 2.0.0, released on February 21, 2023. The software is available on the Objective-See website and hosted on GitHub, where users can access its source code and contribute to its development.

### Technical Details
KextViewr is written in Objective-C, a high-level, object-oriented programming language first introduced in 1984. Objective-C is widely used in macOS development, ensuring that KextViewr integrates seamlessly with macOS systems. The software operates on macOS, an operating system for Apple computers that was first released in March 2001. KextViewr’s open-source nature allows users to freely use, modify, and redistribute the software under a permissive license, promoting collaboration and innovation in macOS security tools.

### Significance
KextViewr is notable for its role in enhancing macOS security and transparency. By providing users with the ability to inspect kexts, KextViewr helps identify potential security risks and ensures that only authorized and trusted extensions are running on the system. As an open-source tool developed by a reputable organization, KextViewr aligns with the broader goal of promoting transparency and security in the macOS ecosystem. Its development reflects a commitment to empowering users with the tools needed to understand and protect their systems.

## References

1. [Release 2.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/objective-see/KextViewr/releases/tag/v2.0.0)