git clone https://github.com/tpoechtrager/osxcross cd osxcross # Place a macOS SDK (e.g., MacOSX11.3.sdk) into the tarballs/ directory ./tools/get_cctools.sh 6.5 UNATTENDED=1 ./build.sh This will compile Cctools 6.5 along with the linker and package them with the SDK. 1. Cross-Compiling a C Program from Linux to macOS ./x86_64-apple-darwin20.2-cc -o hello hello.c otool -L hello Using Cctools’ otool , you can verify that the resulting binary links against the correct dynamic libraries. 2. Creating a Universal Binary Suppose you have two binaries: app_x86_64 and app_arm64 . With Cctools 6.5:
brew tap nativeos/cctools brew install cctools Or build from source: Cctools 6.5
From reverse engineers analyzing malware to game developers shipping universal binaries, Cctools 6.5 provides the essential utilities needed to manipulate macOS and iOS executables with precision and speed. git clone https://github
If you are still using cctools 4.x or 5.x, upgrading to version 6.5 will immediately improve your workflow, especially if you target Apple Silicon or require cross-platform builds. If you are still using cctools 4
With the release of , developers have witnessed a significant evolution in performance, compatibility, and feature set. Whether you are a reverse engineer, a system programmer, or a build engineer working with cross-compilation, understanding Cctools 6.5 is essential.
is particularly notable because it aligns closely with the ld64 (Apple’s linker) version 609, introduced with Xcode 12.x, while remaining decoupled from the rest of the SDK. Core Components of Cctools 6.5 Cctools 6.5 includes a suite of command-line utilities. Here are the most important ones: