Discovering Services with OS X Bonjour Browser

Since 2010, OS X and other operating systems have used Bonjour technology to find printers and file servers on a network. This innovative feature allows users to set up a network without any configuration required. The source code of mDNSResponder, which is the underlying technology behind Bonjour, is available under the Apache License.

Bonjour is a method for discovering services on a local area network (LAN). It's free software for clients, but for developers and companies who want to include it in their software packages, a license may be necessary. Apple has released Bonjour under a limited use license.

Bonjour uses standard DNS packets in a new way, making it another service that builds upon relatively old technology: DNS over IP. The software was initially introduced as Rendezvous in 2002 with Mac OS X 10.2 and later renamed to Bonjour in 2005 after an out-of-court trademark dispute settlement.

Bonjour components are also included within other Apple software such as iTunes and Safari, making it a convenient tool for users. Additionally, Bonjour can be installed on computers running Microsoft Windows. The software comes pre-installed with Apple's macOS and iOS operating systems.

Bonjour locates devices such as printers, other computers, and the services they offer on a local network using multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) service records. It is also Apple's implementation of zero-configuration networking (zeroconf), which includes service discovery, address assignment, and hostname resolution.

On Windows, the Bonjour service is installed along with programs that require it. In Mac OS X version 10.4 (Tiger, 2005), Rendezvous was renamed to Bonjour due to legal issues with the name. Bonjour is also used in various other Apple software such as Safari, iTunes, AirPrint, and some Adobe programs, as well as network-enabled hardware.

For example, iTunes uses Bonjour technology to automatically find computers that are sharing their music. mDNS and DNS-SD are Apple-developed technologies that have been released as open standards. Bonjour implements Multicast DNS (mDNS) and is an implementation of the Zeroconf system by Apple.

In summary, OS X Bonjour Browser is a powerful tool for discovering services on a local network without requiring any configuration. Its ease of use and convenience make it a popular choice among users.

Os x bonjour browser