Glossary
launchd
launchd is the macOS init and service manager (PID 1) that starts daemons and agents from property lists, a primary persistence location.
launchd is the first process started by the macOS kernel (PID 1) and manages system services and per-user processes. It loads jobs defined in property list files: LaunchDaemons run system-wide, typically as root, while LaunchAgents run in a user's session.
Common locations are /Library/LaunchDaemons, /Library/LaunchAgents, and ~/Library/LaunchAgents; Apple's own jobs under /System/Library are protected by the sealed system volume. Keys such as Label, ProgramArguments, RunAtLoad, and KeepAlive define what runs and when.
Because it offers reliable execution at boot or login, launchd is one of the most common persistence mechanisms abused by macOS malware. Inspect jobs with launchctl print and, on Ventura and later, sfltool dumpbtm. See launchd persistence investigation.