This tool allows programs to access remote data (like HTTP, FTP, or Chirp) as if it were on the local file system, without needing administrative privileges.
Crucially, top is a direct component of the cctools package. However, it relies on the same underlying Mach-O binary format and kernel APIs (task_info, proc_pidinfo) that cctools manipulates. Therefore, understanding cctools enhances the interpretation of top ’s output. cctools 65 top
The main reason cctools isn't ranked higher (say, in the top 10) is visibility. It is a dependency of a dependency. A developer installs clang or a cross-compiler, and cctools is pulled in silently to handle the linking stage. This tool allows programs to access remote data