INIT
1. Abbreviation for initialization or initialize.
2. When referring to Linux or Unix, init is a program loaded by the kernel that spawns all other processes and typically uses PID 1. In addition to spawning each processes init is also responsible for rebooting the computer, starting the computer and shutting the computer down.
- See the init and telinit command page for further information on this command.
3. When referring to Apple Macintosh or an Apple Macintosh operating system, INIT is a term that describes system files that automatically execute when the computer boots. INIT was used with versions of its system operating system before System 7.
Also see: Apple definitions, Extension, Initialization, Macintosh, Runlevel, System