What Are These Hidden Files on My Mac Laptop? (Part 1)

If I knew what the various files that are constantly updating in the background on my laptop were doing and why, I might have a lot more trust in my Mac Laptop. I might even change my view that Apple is constantly spying users of its hardware and software. To that end, I’m going to research and try to explain a bunch of files. These articles will be boring unless you own an Apple Mac computer and/or are the kind of person who likes to look under the hood regarding technology.

Q1: What is the folder `/private/var/db/` on macOS ?

The folder `/private/var/db/` on macOS serves as a critical location for storing various system configuration and database files essential for the operating system’s functionality. It contains databases related to system settings, user and group accounts, network configurations, system policies, battery data, and other important system information. For example, the subfolder `/private/var/db/dslocal` holds the local directory data including user and group account information, which is vital for logging in and system access. Additionally, `/private/var/db/receipts` contains receipts for installed packages and apps, listing what was installed and when, along with version information. This folder is part of the broader `/private/var` directory, which also includes caches, temporary files, logs, and virtual memory swap files used by the system and applications to operate efficiently and securely. Due to its importance, deleting or modifying contents in `/private/var/db/` can cause severe issues such as inability to log in, system instability, or failure to boot, so it should not be altered without expert knowledge and caution[1][2][4][5][6].

Q2: What is the folder `/private/var/db/uuidtext` on macOS ?

In the context of macOS, “db” in `/private/var/db/` stands for “database,” referring to various system databases that store configuration and system information[1][5]. Regarding `/private/var/db/uuidtext`, there is no detailed public documentation specifically about this file or folder in the search results. However, based on the naming convention and the general use of the `/private/var/db/` directory, it is likely a system database or data file related to UUIDs (Universally Unique Identifiers) used by macOS for identifying hardware, software components, or system objects uniquely. Such files typically store persistent system data that the OS or certain services use internally[1][5].

In summary:
– “db” means database.
– `/private/var/db/uuidtext` is probably a system database file related to UUIDs, used internally by macOS for unique identification purposes, though specific details are not publicly documented in the provided sources.

Q3: What is the folder `/private/var/db/sudo/ts` on macOS ?

The folder /private/var/db/sudo/ts/ contains timestamp files used by the sudo command on macOS to track the user’s sudo session timing. Specifically, /private/var/db/sudo/ts/<username> is a per-user timestamp file that records when a user last authenticated with sudo. This allows sudo to remember the authentication for a short grace period so the user is not prompted for their password repeatedly within that time frame.

If you try to access or open these files without proper permissions, you may encounter “Permission denied” errors because these files are owned by root:wheel and have restricted access for security reasons. This mechanism helps ensure that only authorized users and processes can read or modify sudo session data, maintaining system security

Q4: What is private/var/db/CoreDuet/Knowledge/knowledgeC.db-wal?

The file `/private/var/db/CoreDuet/Knowledge/knowledgeC.db-wal` is the Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) file associated with the `knowledgeC.db` SQLite database used by macOS. This database is part of the CoreDuet framework, which collects and manages system and user context data to enable on-device intelligence features.

Purpose of knowledgeC.db and its WAL file:

– The `knowledgeC.db` database stores extensive system and user activity data, such as application usage, device status, locations, contacts, and other contextual information that macOS and iOS use to provide personalized and intelligent services[1][2][5][6].
– The WAL file (`knowledgeC.db-wal`) is a temporary journal file used by SQLite to improve database performance and reliability by recording changes before they are committed to the main database file. This allows for atomic commits and crash recovery[1][2].
– CoreDuet’s knowledge database is used by system processes like `coreduetd` to track user and device behavior over time, which supports features such as Siri suggestions, Screen Time, and other system intelligence functions[3].

In summary, `/private/var/db/CoreDuet/Knowledge/knowledgeC.db-wal` is the write-ahead log file for the system-level knowledgeC.db database that records ongoing system and user activity data, enabling macOS to deliver context-aware intelligence and personalized features[1][2][3].

Q5: What will break if I delete knowledgeC.db?

Deleting the `knowledgeC.db` file on macOS will not cause critical system failures, but it will remove the database that tracks detailed user and system activity such as app usage, device interactions, and other contextual data used by features like Siri and system intelligence. According to user experiences, if you delete this file (found typically in `/Users//Library/Application Support/Knowledge/`), the operating system will automatically recreate a fresh new `knowledgeC.db` upon reboot without causing major issues or loss of core functionality[1].

However, deleting it may temporarily remove historical usage data and could affect features relying on this context, such as Siri suggestions or other personalized services. Users who do not use Siri or related services generally do not notice adverse effects after deletion. The file is also known to be heavily protected with strict permissions, which can cause backup software to report read errors if the file becomes corrupted or resides on a failing disk sector[1].

In summary:
– Deleting `knowledgeC.db` will erase tracked user/system activity data.
– macOS will recreate the file automatically on reboot.
– No critical system breakage occurs, but some personalized features may lose historical data.
– Useful to delete if the file is corrupted or causing system lag, especially if you do not use Siri or related features[1].

Q6: What is /private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/StoreData?

The folder `/private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/StoreData` on macOS contains log files related to system diagnostic messages and analytics data. These logs are part of the system’s diagnostic reporting infrastructure, which collects and stores detailed information about system events, hardware status, software updates, and other operational data.

Specifically:

– The logs in this directory capture diagnostic messages generated by various system components and processes, which can include error reports, warnings, and informational messages used for troubleshooting and system analysis.
– These logs can grow very large if a particular issue causes repetitive logging, such as network errors or software update problems, sometimes filling gigabytes of disk space unexpectedly.
– The data stored here is used by macOS for analytics and diagnostic purposes, helping Apple and system administrators identify and resolve issues.
– The files in this directory are part of the broader Message Tracer Store data, which is accessible via the Console app under diagnostic and analytics reports.
– Because these logs can become very large, users sometimes seek ways to limit their size or investigate what is causing excessive logging, often related to specific system components like airport (Wi-Fi) or software update services.

In summary, `/private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/StoreData` holds system diagnostic and analytics log data used for monitoring and troubleshooting macOS, and large files here typically indicate verbose logging of system events or errors[1][2][3].

Q7: What is /private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl?

The file `/private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl` is an Apple System Log (ASL) file created on June 11, 2025. ASL is a binary logging format used by macOS to store system and application log messages. These files contain detailed records of system events, errors, warnings, and informational messages generated by various macOS components and services.

Key points about ASL files like this one:

– ASL (Apple System Log) was introduced as a replacement for traditional syslog on macOS starting with Mac OS X 10.4, storing logs in a binary format for efficient querying and management[2][6].
– The filename format includes the date, making it easy to identify logs for a specific day.
– These logs capture a wide range of system activity, including firewall events, login attempts, program errors, network activity, system boots and shutdowns, and privilege escalations[6].
– ASL files are managed according to rules defined in `/etc/asl.conf`, which specify what messages are logged, their format, rotation, and retention policies[2].
– Although newer macOS versions have moved toward the Apple Unified Logging system, ASL files remain important for backward compatibility and certain system components[5].
– To read or analyze ASL files, macOS provides tools like the `syslog` command or third-party utilities that can parse the binary format into human-readable text[3][6].

In summary, `/private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl` is a daily Apple System Log file storing binary-encoded diagnostic and system event messages for June 11, 2025, used for system monitoring, troubleshooting, and forensic analysis on macOS.

Q8: How do I read /private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl?

To read the file /private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl, which is an Apple System Log (ASL) binary file, you can use several methods on macOS. On older macOS versions, the syslog command with the -f option lets you read the ASL file in a human-readable format by running syslog -f /private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/2025.06.11.asl. Another tool, asl -f <filepath>, may be available on some systems to query ASL files similarly. For newer macOS versions that use the Unified Logging system, the log command can query system logs by date but does not directly read ASL files. As a quick alternative, you can use the strings <filepath> command to extract readable text from the binary file, though this won’t provide structured logs and it requires XCODE tools be installed. You might need to use sudo to access the file due to permission restrictions. Additionally, the Console app provides a graphical way to view system logs and diagnostic messages.

Result of syslog -f <filepath> :

NOTE: Most system logs have moved to a new logging system. See log(1) for more information.
Jun 11 22:56:20 MyComputer corebrightnessd[99] <Notice>:

Q9: What does corebrightnessd log and why can’t I see the Notice in syslog?

The `corebrightnessd` daemon on macOS logs messages related to display brightness, True Tone, and automatic brightness adjustments [1][5]. These logs can indicate the status of your display settings and potential issues, such as a display remaining dim or not turning on after waking from sleep [1]. It interacts with preference files like `/private/var/root/Library/Preferences/com.apple.CoreBrightness.plist` to manage these settings [5].

You might not see “Notice” level logs, or other general system logs, using the traditional `syslog` command because newer macOS versions (starting with macOS Sierra, 10.12) transitioned from the Apple System Log (ASL) system to a Unified Logging system. While `syslog` can still be used to read specific ASL files (like those in `/private/var/log/DiagnosticMessages/`) [3], many modern system logs are now stored in a binary, unified log store, which is primarily accessed using the `log` command in Terminal or through the Console application (`/Applications/Utilities/Console.app`). Therefore, certain log levels or messages may no longer appear in the output of the traditional `syslog` command without specific file arguments or an understanding of the unified logging structure.

Q10: What is /private/var/log/system.log and how do I view this log ?

The file `/private/var/log/system.log` on macOS is a traditional plain-text system log file that records general system activity, errors, warnings, and informational messages from various system services and processes. It serves as a consolidated record of system events useful for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues.

To view this log file, you can:

– Use the Console app located in Applications > Utilities > Console. In Console, select “system.log” from the sidebar to browse its contents in a user-friendly interface.
– Open Terminal and use command-line tools such as `cat /private/var/log/system.log` to display the entire log, or `tail -f /private/var/log/system.log` to monitor new entries live.
– Access the file directly in Finder by choosing Go > Go to Folder and entering `/private/var/log/`, then opening `system.log` with a text editor.

Note that since macOS 10.12, Apple has introduced a Unified Logging system that stores most logs in a binary format elsewhere, but `system.log` still exists and records some system messages. The file can grow large over time and can be deleted safely if needed, as macOS will recreate it automatically. However, for a more comprehensive view of system logs, using the `log` command or Console app is recommended.

Q11: What does Jun 11 22:57:09 MyComputer syslogd[38]: ASL Sender Statistics mean in the system log?

The log entry “Jun 11 22:57:09 MyComputer syslogd: ASL Sender Statistics” in the system log indicates that the syslog daemon (`syslogd`) periodically generates statistics related to the Apple System Logging (ASL) subsystem. This message is a routine, generic log entry showing that the logging system is performing its regular maintenance or reporting tasks and does not indicate any error or issue.

The “ASL Sender Statistics” message is essentially noise for most users and does not provide actionable information. It appears regularly as part of normal system operation and is related to the internal workings of the ASL logging mechanism rather than any specific system event or problem.

If these messages are frequent and annoying, you can reduce their verbosity by editing the `/etc/asl.conf` file to raise the minimum log level from “notice” to “warning,” which will suppress these routine “notice” level messages after a reboot.

In summary, “ASL Sender Statistics” is a normal, periodic informational message from the syslog daemon about Apple System Log activity and can generally be ignored without concern.

Q12: Explain this asl.conf file’s various line, what they mean (upload)

Lines beginning with # are comments that describe the file or specific sections.

The line directing logs related to aslmanager specifies that these logs are saved in /var/log/asl/Logs/aslmanager. The logs use an “external” source and a specific log format called “lcl-b.” The setting ttl=2 means the logs have a time-to-live of 2 days, so logs older than that may be deleted.

For logs with the facility authpriv, which includes authentication and private security messages, access permissions are set so that only root and admin users can read them, enhancing security.

The configuration for system.log specifies that logs directed there have file permissions set to 0640, meaning the owner can read and write, the group can read, and others have no access. The log format is BSD style. Logs are rotated sequentially when they reach 5 MB, with a total maximum size of 50 MB for all rotated logs combined. After rotation, logs are compressed to save space.

All messages sent by the kernel are saved to system.log. Additionally, all messages with severity level notice or higher are saved there. Authentication facility messages with severity info or higher, as well as authentication private facility messages with severity info or higher, are also saved to system.log.

Logs from the facility com.apple.alf.logging, which relates to Apple’s Application Layer Firewall, are saved to appfirewall.log. These log files have a maximum size of 5 MB each and a total maximum size of 50 MB.

In summary, this configuration file defines rules about which logs are saved, where they are stored, and what permissions they have. It manages log rotation, compression, and access restrictions to ensure important system and security-related logs are securely and efficiently maintained, while less important or internal logs may be ignored or handled differently.

I changed a few options set to “notice” to be “error” because I don’t need these logs.

Q13: Where can I find `appfirewall.log` ?

You can find the `appfirewall.log` file on macOS in the `/var/log/` directory. This log records events related to the built-in firewall, such as allowed or blocked incoming connections. To view it, you can use the Console app located in Applications > Utilities, then look under the `/var/log/` section in the sidebar and select `appfirewall.log`. Alternatively, you can open Terminal and run the command `tail -f /var/log/appfirewall.log` to watch the firewall log update in real time.

Note that sometimes the `appfirewall.log` file may be empty if logging is not enabled or if no relevant firewall events have occurred. To ensure logging is active, you can enable the firewall and configure logging options in System Preferences under Security & Privacy > Firewall > Firewall Options. Also, the log files are rotated and compressed once they reach a certain size, so older entries might be found in archived files like `appfirewall.log.0.bz2`.

In summary, `appfirewall.log` is located at `/var/log/appfirewall.log` and can be viewed via the Console app or Terminal.

Q14: What is /private/var/folders/zz/zyxvpxvq6csfxvn_n0000000000000/C/com.apple.trustd/Analytics/trust_analytics.db-wal?

The file `/private/var/folders/zz/zyxvpxvq6csfxvn_n0000000000000/C/com.apple.trustd/Analytics/trust_analytics.db-wal` is a Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) file for the `trust_analytics.db` database used by the macOS `trustd` service, which handles security-related trust evaluations like certificate validation.

If this file grows excessively large or causes high CPU usage by `trustd`, you can stop the issue by deleting certain corrupted trustd database files so the system can rebuild them properly. To do this safely, locate the folder `/private/var/protected/trustd` and delete all files beginning with `valid.sqlite3` (such as `valid.sqlite3`, `valid.sqlite3-shm`, and `valid.sqlite3-wal`). After deleting these files, reboot your Mac or run the command `ldrestart` to restart system services. The `trustd` daemon will then recreate fresh database files, which should resolve excessive resource usage and prevent the WAL file from growing uncontrollably.

If you delete the WAL file itself (`trust_analytics.db-wal`), the system will regenerate it automatically, but if the underlying database is corrupted, the problem may persist until you delete the related `valid.sqlite3` files as described above.

In summary, deleting the WAL file alone is usually safe because it is a temporary log, but to fully fix issues with `trustd` and its analytics database, you should delete the associated corrupted database files and reboot. This process stops excessive CPU or disk usage caused by `trustd` and allows the system to rebuild its trust databases cleanly.

Q15: How do I turn off Analytics in MacOS?

To turn off Analytics on macOS from the command line, you can disable system diagnostic data submission and related analytics services using several commands.

First, to stop sending diagnostic and usage data to Apple system-wide, run:

sudo defaults write /Library/Application\ Support/CrashReporter/DiagnosticMessagesHistory.plist AutoSubmit -bool false

To disable analytics for the current user, run:

defaults write com.apple.SubmitDiagInfo AutoSubmit -bool false

After running these commands, reboot your Mac to apply the changes.

For Homebrew analytics, disable it by running:

brew analytics off

and optionally prevent analytics by setting an environment variable:

export HOMEBREW_NO_ANALYTICS=1

Add this export line to your shell profile (like ~/.bash_profile or ~/.zshrc) to make it persistent.

To disable the media analysis services that collect data for features like Photos and Spotlight, unload their launch agents with these commands:

sudo launchctl disable system/com.apple.mediaanalysisd

sudo launchctl disable system/com.apple.photoanalysisd

Disabling these services helps reduce background analytics activity related to media processing.

In summary, use the `defaults write` commands to turn off system and user analytics submission, disable Homebrew analytics with its command and environment variable, and stop media-related analytics services by disabling their launch agents. Reboot your Mac afterward to ensure all changes take effect.

Q16: What is /dev/fd/0

In Unix-like operating systems, `/dev/fd/0` is a special file that represents the standard input (stdin) file descriptor for the current process. File descriptors are integer handles that a process uses to access files or input/output resources. By convention, file descriptor 0 corresponds to standard input, which is typically the keyboard or input stream for a program.

The `/dev/fd` directory contains entries like `0`, `1`, and `2` that correspond to the standard input, standard output, and standard error file descriptors, respectively. Accessing `/dev/fd/0` is effectively the same as reading from the process’s standard input stream. This mechanism allows programs to refer to their open file descriptors as files in the filesystem.

For example, when a program reads from `/dev/fd/0`, it is reading from whatever input source is connected to its standard input, which might be the keyboard, a file redirected into the program, or the output of another program connected via a pipe.

This setup is part of the POSIX API and is implemented by the kernel maintaining a per-process table of file descriptors that point to open files or resources. The `/dev/fd` entries are dynamically created to provide convenient access to these descriptors.

In summary, `/dev/fd/0` is a filesystem representation of the standard input stream for a process, allowing programs to access their input as if it were a regular file.

Q17: What is /dev/ptmx?

`/dev/ptmx` is a special device file in Unix-like systems that acts as the master multiplexer for pseudo-terminals (PTYs). When a process opens `/dev/ptmx`, it obtains a file descriptor for a new pseudo-terminal master device. Correspondingly, the system creates a matching pseudo-terminal slave device under `/dev/pts/` (the devpts filesystem). This pair of master and slave devices allows programs like terminal emulators or remote shells to provide terminal interfaces.

Historically, pseudo-terminals were implemented with persistent device nodes, but modern systems use a dynamic devpts filesystem mounted at `/dev/pts` to create slave devices on demand. The `/dev/ptmx` device serves as a multiplexor that manages these PTY masters, enabling multiple independent pseudo-terminal sessions.

On Linux, `/dev/ptmx` is typically a character device with major number 5 and minor number 2. It is usually world-readable and writable because many applications need to open it to create terminals. The corresponding slave devices appear dynamically under `/dev/pts/`.

There is also a `/dev/pts/ptmx` device node inside the devpts filesystem, which serves a similar role but is part of the per-instance devpts mount, supporting containerization and namespaces. For backward compatibility, `/dev/ptmx` remains accessible and is often linked or associated with `/dev/pts/ptmx`.

In summary, `/dev/ptmx` is the pseudo-terminal master multiplexer device that programs open to create new pseudo-terminal pairs, enabling terminal emulation and remote shell functionality on Unix-like systems.

On macOS, the `/dev/ptmx` device file was introduced starting with OS X 10.5 Leopard to provide a Unix98-style pseudo-terminal master multiplexer, similar to Linux. Before that, macOS (and earlier OS X versions like Tiger) used a more manual system of pseudo-terminals with device pairs named `/dev/ptyXX` and `/dev/ttyXX`.

When a process opens `/dev/ptmx` on macOS, it obtains a new pseudo-terminal master device, and the corresponding slave device is created dynamically. This allows programs such as terminal emulators and remote shells to create and manage terminal sessions more easily and consistently.

Thus, on modern macOS versions, `/dev/ptmx` serves the same fundamental purpose as on Linux: it is the interface for creating new pseudo-terminal pairs. However, the underlying implementation and device namespace differ, as macOS does not use the Linux-style `/dev/pts/` filesystem but manages pseudo-terminals through its own BSD-based system.

MacOS supports `/dev/ptmx` as the pseudo-terminal master device starting from OS X 10.5, enabling programs to open and control pseudo-terminals in a way similar to Linux, replacing the older manual `/dev/ptyXX` approach.

When you open a new Terminal window on macOS, the system uses /dev/ptmx to allocate a new pseudo-terminal pair so that your shell can interact with the terminal emulator. Similarly, SSH servers create PTYs via /dev/ptmx to provide remote shell sessions.

Q18: Where are web URLs and caches stored?

private/var/folders/ contains hidden, system-managed temporary storage where some apps—including browsers—store short-lived web-related data and caches. For more persistent browsing history and URL traces, check browser-specific folders in your user Library.

Specifically, within /private/var/folders/, you will find subdirectories named with randomized strings (e.g., /private/var/folders/xx/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx/), which hold cache and temporary data for different apps and users. Some of these folders may contain:

Browser temporary files and caches, such as Chrome or Firefox short-term cache files.
Temporary internet files created by Safari and other web-related processes.
Application caches and temporary files used by QuickTime, media players, or other apps handling web content.
Various system and app temporary files related to network activity or web content processing.

Key locations where URLs are stored per browser:

Safari:
~/Library/Safari/History.db — an SQLite database containing all URLs visited in Safari.
Google Chrome (and Chromium-based browsers like Brave, Edge):
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/History — an SQLite database storing Chrome browsing history.
Mozilla Firefox:
~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/<profile>/places.sqlite — an SQLite database that contains visited URLs and bookmarks.

Network-level logs (like firewall or router logs) may capture IP addresses or domains but not full URLs, and these are not stored centrally on the Mac by default. However, Apple has the technical capability to enable extensive system-level monitoring remotely under certain circumstances, such as through enterprise management tools or with user consent for diagnostics and analytics. Apple’s standard diagnostic and analytics features collect usage data—including some web-related activity—but this data is anonymized and aggregated rather than providing a full, detailed log of all URLs visited system-wide. Users can opt out of sharing analytics data via system settings.

Q19: What is /private/var/jabberd? Why is it off limits?

The folder `/private/var/jabberd` on macOS is a system directory related to the Jabber/XMPP messaging service. Historically, “jabberd” is the name of a server daemon implementing the Jabber protocol (now known as XMPP), which is used for instant messaging and presence information. On macOS, this folder may contain runtime data, logs, or configuration files related to messaging services or system components that use XMPP protocols.

– System ownership and permissions: This folder is owned by the root user or specific system processes and has restricted permissions to prevent unauthorized access or modification. This protects critical system files and services from accidental or malicious changes.
– Security and stability: Since it may contain sensitive runtime data or configuration for messaging services, restricting access helps maintain system security and stability.
– Not intended for user modification: It is a system-managed folder, and users typically do not need to interact with or modify its contents.

`/private/var/jabberd` is a protected system folder related to the Jabber/XMPP messaging daemon or services on macOS. It is off limits because it contains system files managed by root with strict permissions to ensure security and proper functioning of messaging components. Users should avoid modifying or deleting files in this folder to prevent system issues.

Q20: What if I take ownership and look it in jabberd, what will I find?

If you take ownership and look inside `/private/var/jabberd`, you will find files and directories related to the Jabber/XMPP messaging service daemon (`jabberd`) on macOS. This folder typically contains runtime data such as process ID files (`*.pid`), logs, temporary files, and possibly configuration or state information used by the jabberd service that handles instant messaging protocols.

From community reports and historical usage, the contents are mostly system-managed files created and updated by the jabberd process. For example, you might see:

– PID files indicating running jabberd processes.
– Temporary runtime data supporting messaging services.
– Possibly log files or socket files used for interprocess communication.

Because this folder is owned by the `_jabber` user and group and protected by system permissions, it is normally off limits to prevent accidental modification or deletion, which could disrupt messaging services or system stability.

If you change ownership and access the folder, you will see these system files but generally no user data or readable chat history. The data inside is mostly technical and used internally by the jabberd daemon.

In summary, `/private/var/jabberd` holds system runtime files for the jabberd/XMPP service. Taking ownership and inspecting it reveals mostly process-related files like PID files and temporary data, but no user-facing content. Modifying these files is not recommended as it can interfere with system messaging components.

NOTE: The `/private/var/jabberd` folder may appear empty when viewed normally because it often contains hidden or system files that are not shown by default in Finder or with standard directory listings. These files can be hidden due to macOS’s file visibility settings or special file attributes.

To verify if the folder truly contains files, you can:

– Open Terminal and run `ls -la /private/var/jabberd` to list all files, including hidden ones (those starting with a dot).
– In Finder, navigate to the folder and press Command + Shift + . (period) to toggle the visibility of hidden files and folders. This will reveal any files or directories that are normally invisible.
– Use Terminal commands like `ls -lOe /private/var/jabberd` to check for extended attributes that might hide files.

Because `/private/var/jabberd` is a system folder used by the jabberd/XMPP service, it may contain runtime files such as sockets, PID files, or logs that are hidden or temporary. Depending on the system state, these files might not always be present or visible.

In summary, although the folder looks empty at first glance, it may contain hidden system files. Using Terminal commands or Finder’s hidden file toggle will reveal any concealed contents.

This folder may be empty at the moment you checked it.

This might be normal if the jabberd service is not running or not actively using this directory.

Some system folders are created by default but only populated when the related service or daemon is active.

Q21: What’s in the folder /private/var/ma and why is it off limits?

The folder /private/var/ma is not a standard or commonly documented macOS system directory by itself, but it is very likely a truncated reference to a subfolder within /private/var/folders/ or another system-managed folder under /private/var/. The /private/var/ directory is a critical system area that holds temporary files, caches, runtime data, and other system-managed resources.

/private/var/ma is likely part of the system’s temporary/cache folder hierarchy under /private/var/.

It is off limits because it contains system-managed files critical for macOS stability and security.

Actually, the folder was empty.

That’s it for now. I hope you have enjoyed this article. If I find time I’ll continue it, looking at more Apple MacOS under the hood.

Read More

^Q1:

^{[1] https://iboysoft.com/wiki/private-var-folder-mac.html}
^{[2] https://superuser.com/questions/777701/can-i-delete-contents-of-private-var-folder}
^{[3] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255586335}
^{[4] https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/327174/whats-the-purpose-of-directory-private-var-db-receipts}
^{[5] https://shellzero.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/importance-of-var-folder-in-macosx/}
^{[6] https://shellzero.wordpress.com/tag/vardb/}
^{[7] https://macpaw.com/how-to/access-var-folder-mac}
^{[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/y9c2xu/safe_to_delete_privatevarfolders/}
^{[9] https://magnusviri.com/what-is-var-folders}