Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics [ Guide ]



When the kernel crashes on Mac OS X, the system displays a panic message. At this point the system will have to be restarted. But before hitting the power button, how can one find out what caused the crash?
This technote addresses kernel panics: what they are and how to debug the code that caused the panic.
The foundation of Mac OS X is an operating system core commonly known as Darwin. This technote contains links to source files available from the Darwin open source site. Access to these files requires a username and password obtained by agreeing to the Apple Public Source License.