Building an Operating System from Scratch: Challenges and Possibilities

Is it possible to create an operating system (OS) from scratch without using any existing OS as a reference or help, for instance, Linux? How challenging would such a task be, and could it even be accomplished by a single person?

The Time and Effort Involved

One can easily underestimate the time and effort required to create an OS from scratch. For instance, if you are under 30 now, you would be far over 30 by the time you complete such a project. This task requires extensive learning, coding, testing, and debugging, which can take decades of dedicated effort.

Historically, the creation of an OS involved a collaborative effort, beginning with simple beginnings like the bootstrap loader in college projects. A team would hard-code the binary instructions on punch cards, loading the system with a push of the IPL (Initial Program Load) button. These early systems were purely for educational purposes, demonstrating the concept that an OS could be developed from the ground up.

The Components of an OS

The components of an OS are numerous and complex. It includes a wide range of software designed to manage a computer system's hardware and software, including userland interfaces and various programming interfaces. A Linux distribution, for example, is quite different. It primarily involves integrating, testing, packaging, distributing, and supporting preexisting software projects. The majority of the work revolves around bug fixing and ensuring the stability of these preexisting systems.

Likewise, creating an OS from scratch involves several key components:

Bootstrap Loader: The initial program that boots the system. Kernel: The core component responsible for managing hardware and software resources. File System: The hierarchical structure where data is stored and organized. Process Management: Handling and scheduling processes. Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory to processes. Interface: User and programming interfaces for interaction with the OS.

Single-Person OS Efforts

Andrew Tannenbaum created Minix, a Unix-like system, nearly entirely from scratch with little help. This demonstrates that it is possible for a single person to create an OS, albeit with significant limitations.

TempleOS, constructed by Terry Davis over a decade, is an example of a single-person OS. While it is highly customizable and can run on very low hardware specifications, it falls short of modern standards. It lacks the necessary tools and user interfaces for everyday computing tasks, making it impractical for serious use.

Complexity and Expertise Required

Creating a robust and modern OS requires significant expertise and a substantial amount of time. It is nearly impossible for a single person to develop an OS that can compete in today's market, which demands a plethora of complex features and an extensive codebase. A project like TempleOS, which is described as a “single-user system,” is an exception but still falls short of meeting the standards of a full-fledged commercial OS.

While theoretically possible, a single person can only realistically undertake such a project with the help of extensive online documentation and resources on OS standards. Even with expert knowledge and reliable support, the complexity and volume of work required make it a monumental task. However, this does not preclude the enjoyment and learning that can be derived from such an undertaking.

For anyone considering this ambitious project, it is essential to recognize the enormity of the task and the time commitment required. Moreover, understanding the intricacies of modern OS design and the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. While it may not be feasible for a single person to create a feature-rich and user-friendly OS from scratch, the journey towards this goal can be both rewarding and instructive.