Skift

skiftOS is a hobby OS built from scratch using C/C++ for ARM, x86, and RISC-V. It's simple, modern and modular. It has a modern C++ core library, reactive UI, and a capability-based microkernel for security and modularity.

Contribute on GitHubDownload the Latest Release** skiftOS is alpha software, use it at your own risk.

Goal

Written by sleepy-monax

skiftOS is a hobby project I’ve been building in modern C++ for over 6 years now.

I’m not trying to clone Windows or Linux. skiftOS is a playground to learn OS internals, sharpen systems skills, and build a small, coherent system I enjoy using.

Features

While skiftOS is still in early development, it already has the basics in place: a graphical shell, a set of core apps, and a microkernel foundation to experiment with. It’s rough around the edges, but it’s a fun playground for exploring how an operating system comes together.

Beautiful

skiftOS ships a reactive UI framework (inspired by SwiftUI/Flutter) with consistent typography, spacing, and theming across apps.

Wide Range of Apps

Core apps cover the basics: files, text, media, images, terminal, and a few toys. They’re small, fast to build, and good examples for new contributors.

archive manager
calculator
file manager
font manager
image viewer
media player
paint
settings
snake
task manager
terminal
text editor

It's not a *NIX!

skiftOS isn’t POSIX. It’s a fresh API and userland inspired by Plan 9, Haiku, and Fuchsia. Familiar ideas, different contracts.

Technologies

Modern Core Framework

A modern C++ core framework that make C++ delightful to use and provides a solid foundation for building applications and libraries.

Source Code
Capability-based Microkernel

A capability-based microkernel that provides security and modularity.

Source Code
UEFI Bootloader

An UEFI bootloader that support a wide range of customizations with a beautiful graphical interface.

Source Code
Graphical Shell

A responsive and beautiful graphical shell, supporting desktop and mobile devices.

Source Code
Multitarget Build System

A multitarget build system that support building for ARM, x86, and RISC-V.

Source Code
Browser Engine

A lightweight HTML/CSS engine focused on layout and styling. Networking is minimal (HTTP only) and evolving.

Source Code

Join the Community!

"The delightful operating system"
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Source code