# ProcessMonitor

> command-line tool for macOS by Objective-See

**Wikidata**: [Q125475326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125475326)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/processmonitor

## Summary
ProcessMonitor is a free, open-source command-line tool for macOS developed by Objective-See. It leverages macOS's Endpoint Security framework to monitor and log process activity on Apple computers.

## Key Facts
- Developed by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization founded in 2015
- Written in Objective-C, a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language created in 1984
- Licensed under GNU General Public License version 3.0
- Runs exclusively on macOS, which was first released on March 24, 2001
- Source code is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/objective-see/ProcessMonitor
- Classified as a command-line tool, utility software, and free software
- Uses macOS's Endpoint Security framework for process monitoring

## FAQs
### Q: What is ProcessMonitor used for?
A: ProcessMonitor is a command-line tool for macOS that monitors and logs process activity using the system's Endpoint Security framework. It helps users track what processes are running on their Mac computers.

### Q: Is ProcessMonitor free to use?
A: Yes, ProcessMonitor is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3.0, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Who created ProcessMonitor?
A: ProcessMonitor was developed by Objective-See, a non-profit software organization based in Kula, United States, founded in 2015.

## Why It Matters
ProcessMonitor matters because it provides Mac users with a powerful, free tool to monitor system processes and enhance security awareness. In an era where malware and unauthorized processes pose significant threats to computer systems, having visibility into what's running on your machine is crucial. By leveraging macOS's built-in Endpoint Security framework, ProcessMonitor offers a reliable way to track process activity without requiring additional system modifications. Its open-source nature means security researchers and developers can examine the code, contribute improvements, and verify its functionality. For system administrators, security professionals, and privacy-conscious users, ProcessMonitor serves as an essential utility for maintaining system integrity and detecting potential security issues on macOS devices.

## Notable For
- One of the few free, open-source process monitoring tools specifically designed for macOS
- Developed by Objective-See, known for creating security-focused utilities for Apple platforms
- Utilizes macOS's modern Endpoint Security framework for reliable process monitoring
- Available as command-line software, making it suitable for automation and scripting
- Licensed under GPL v3.0, ensuring it remains free and open for community use and modification

## Body
### Technical Foundation
ProcessMonitor is built using Objective-C, the primary programming language for macOS development since the platform's inception. The tool integrates directly with macOS's Endpoint Security framework, which was introduced in macOS 10.15 Catalina as a modern replacement for older kernel extensions. This integration allows ProcessMonitor to receive real-time notifications about process creation, termination, and other system events.

### Development and Distribution
The tool is developed and maintained by Objective-See, a non-profit organization founded in 2015 that specializes in creating free security utilities for macOS. The source code is hosted on GitHub, following modern open-source development practices. The project uses standard version control and issue tracking, allowing community contributions and transparency in development.

### Licensing and Accessibility
ProcessMonitor is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3.0, one of the most widely used free software licenses. This copyleft license ensures that the software remains free for all users and that any modifications or derivative works must also be distributed under the same license terms. The GPL v3.0 specifically addresses modern software distribution concerns, including use over computer networks.

### System Requirements
As a macOS-specific tool, ProcessMonitor requires Apple hardware running macOS. The tool leverages system frameworks that are built into the operating system, meaning it doesn't require additional dependencies or installations beyond the base macOS environment. This design choice ensures compatibility and stability across different macOS versions while maintaining the tool's effectiveness in monitoring system processes.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/objective-see/ProcessMonitor/blob/master/LICENSE.md)