For what is XNU kernel stored in mach-o binary format?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2014 7:07 am
Why not to just store it in a flat binary, load and jump to it? What benefits would I get with a binary format?
The reason you normally don't want a flat binary is because it can't provide you with extra load information, such as where certain parts should be loaded. Trying to embed symbols or relocation information into a flat binary so you can print informative stackdumps at runtime becomes seriously troublesome to do.
You might get away with it, but it tends to bite later.