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ext4 for macOS

ext4 for macOS project screenshot

A clean-room ext2/3/4 filesystem driver for macOS built on Apple's FSKit: real ext4 disks mount and read and write natively, with no kernel extension and System Integrity Protection left on. Shipped as a notarised Developer ID build with a menu-bar host app.

Technology

backendswiftc
devopsxcode
toolsfskitnotarisation

ext4 for macOS

The problem

Commercial ext4 drivers for macOS rely on kernel extensions, which on Apple Silicon need Reduced Security and a recovery-mode boot.

What I built

  • A clean-room ext4 implementation as an FSKit module running in user space.
  • Read and write on physical disks, with read-only as the safe default switched by a user preference.
  • A menu-bar host app, signed and notarised for distribution.

Private system: a walkthrough or live demo is available on request.