SkiftOS: A Modern Operating System written in C++ from scratch

SkiftOS is an open source operating system developed practically from scratch, without relying on a Linux kernel or BSD.

Warning: the developer himself states that the project is still in its early stages and should not be used as a primary operating system or in production.

Developed primarily in C++20, it aims to combine:

simplicity;
modularity;
modern design;
clean APIs;
integrated graphical interface.

Unlike many hobby OS that focus only on the kernel, SkiftOS has practically its own entire stack:

Bootloader
Microkernel
Graphics framework
Standard library
UI toolkit
Desktop Environment
Native applications

All developed specifically for the system.

Main components:

Hjert: The system’s microkernel.
Karm: The project’s base library.
KarmUI: Reactive graphics framework inspired by modern technologies.
Hideo: The graphical environment (Desktop Environment).

Technologies used:

The project makes use of several modern technologies:

C++20
LLVM/Clang
Ninja
NASM
Python
QEMU
x86-64 architecture
microkernel
IPC
Capability-based Security

Installation

Currently the project does not have a traditional installer.

The recommended way is to compile the system from source code.

On Linux or macOS install:

Git
Clang (18+)
LLVM
Ninja
NASM
Python 3.11+
QEMU
SDL2
mtools
liburing

The official manual provides specific commands for Ubuntu and Arch Linux.

In short: clone the project

git clone https://codeberg.org/skift/os.git

cd skift

Set up the environment:

./skift.sh tools setup

Then check if everything was installed correctly:

./skift.sh tools doctor

Install dependencies:

./skift.sh install

Build:

To start the system in QEMU:

./skift.sh boot

You can also run just the graphical shell:

./skift.sh run --release hideo-shell

Or generate a disk image:

./skift.sh dist --format=hdd

Usage

After starting the virtual machine, the system loads its own graphical interface.

Available features include:

window manager;
terminal;
text editor;
image viewer;
native applications;
integrated desktop.

There are still several limitations, as the project continues under active development.

SkiftOS is one of the most interesting hobby OS projects today. Instead of just implementing a functional kernel, it aims to deliver a complete experience, including microkernel, standard library, graphics framework, desktop, and its own applications.

For more information, visit the SkiftOS repository.

os cpp