BootX (Apple)

BootX

Developer(s)	Apple Inc.
Initial release	1998
Repository	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
Engine
Operating system	Mac OS
Platform	PowerPC
Type	Bootloader
License	Proprietary

BootX is a bootloader developed by Apple Inc. for use on PowerPC-based Macintosh computers. It was introduced in 1998 and is responsible for loading the Mac OS operating system during the boot process.

Overview

BootX is a critical component in the startup sequence of PowerPC Macintosh computers. It is stored in the Macintosh's firmware and is executed immediately after the Open Firmware phase. BootX's primary function is to load the Mac OS kernel and essential system files into memory, allowing the operating system to initialize and take control of the hardware.

Functionality

BootX performs several key tasks during the boot process:

• **Hardware Initialization**: BootX initializes the basic hardware components of the Macintosh.
• **Kernel Loading**: It locates and loads the Mac OS kernel from the boot volume.
• **Device Tree Setup**: BootX sets up the device tree, which is a hierarchical representation of the hardware components in the system.
• **Boot Arguments**: It processes boot arguments and passes them to the Mac OS kernel.

History

BootX was introduced with the release of the first PowerPC-based Macintosh computers in 1998. It replaced the earlier Macintosh bootloader, which was designed for Motorola 68k-based systems. BootX continued to be used in PowerPC Macintosh systems until the transition to Intel processors in 2006, at which point it was replaced by the EFI-based bootloader.

Technical Details

BootX is implemented as a firmware component and is tightly integrated with the Open Firmware environment. It is written in a combination of C and assembly language, allowing it to perform low-level hardware initialization and control.

See Also

• Mac OS
• PowerPC
• Open Firmware
• EFI
• Bootloader