MandrivaUsers.org > Java Operating System

MandrivaUsers.org > Advanced Topics > Command Line, Kernel and Programming

phunni

Jul 27 2003, 07:50 PM

Some days I get bored and a completely stupid idea takes hold of me - today is such day.

I thought:

QUOTE

Wouldn't it be interesting to write an operating system?

now I realise this is stupid - but I think I may try and go ahead anyway. The thing is, my programming language is Java and I can't be bothered to learn another (I know I'll have to learn some assembly language).

I looked on the web and it seems that it is possible to write an OS in Java, but I have no idea where to start.

Anyone have any ideas - please don't just say that I'm crazy or stupid - I already know that!

This isn't gonig to be a great or amazing OS - Linux will remain my main OS and I'm not trying to replace it, this is purely for learning purposes only.

tyme

Jul 27 2003, 08:16 PM

you've gone mad, please seek therapy!!

but truthfully, writing an O/S is not a simple task. i would suggest writing your own compiler first...(if you haven't already, that is)

phunni

Jul 27 2003, 08:54 PM

How would I go about starting on that? Anyway - did Linus write a compiler first?

It's not necesarilly something that I expect to be easy (or necessarily even completing) I just figure that if I start out on the journey then, however far I get, I will learn loads and maybe even have an interestin time on the way (I hesitate to say fun - I'll let you know on the other side! :wink: )

iphitus

Jul 28 2003, 07:42 AM

This could be the next big OS!!

Remember what linus said?

QUOTE

Hello everybody out there using minix -
I'm doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won't be big and
professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing
since april, and is starting to get ready. I'd like any feedback on
things people like/dislike in minix, as my OS resembles it somewhat
(same physical layout of the file-system (due to practical reasons)
among other things).
I've currently ported bash(1.08) and gcc(1.40), and things seem to work.
This implies that I'll get something practical within a few months, and
I'd like to know what features most people would want. Any suggestions
are welcome, but I won't promise I'll implement them :-)
Linus (torvalds@kruuna.helsinki.fi)
PS. Yes - it's free of any minix code, and it has a multi-threaded fs.
It is NOT protable (uses 386 task switching etc), and it probably never
will support anything other than AT-harddisks, as that's all I have :-(.

now it's ONLY the best and most SUPREME os

Sorry for the history lesson. Just want to let you know what your getting into.

Maybe have a look at the code of some of the earliest linux kernel releases?
Might give you a starting idea. Sure it may be C you you should be able to work some of it out.

James

mtweidmann

Jul 28 2003, 07:55 AM

There is already a project to develop a Java OS, called strangely enough JOS.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/jos/

kmack

Jul 28 2003, 08:08 AM

No activity on JOS for a L O N G time...

Here in Indonesia, we have an energy drink :roll: for guys, called Extra Joss maybe that's what you need... 8) http://www.extrajoss.com/

Make sure you check out the jingle Dangdut in the downloads/jingle section for some of our local music to play while you are working on your new OS! :wink:

phunni

Jul 28 2003, 08:19 AM

Getting slightly off topic now, but isn't Joss a term used in some parts of Asia to refer to luck/stroke will of the gods? I guess it's not a bad name for an energy drink - I can kind of see the link

I had a brief look at JOS - might be worth a further look

iphitus

Jul 28 2003, 08:20 AM

Oh and to answer your question about the compiler, Linus didn't write a whole compiler but he did port GCC. So that would have involved a lot of work, maybe nearly a whole rewrite?

James

phunni

Jul 28 2003, 08:28 AM

Hmmm good point. Linus used minix as a starting point didn't he? Maybe I should just use JOS as my starting point - or even volunteer to help develop JOS - if it's still an active project

seantech

Jul 30 2003, 08:57 AM

What do you care if it is an active project or not... You can still fool arround with it if it isn't active.... Once your Java skills are 'sharp', you can start developing it further your self... Who knows.. Maybe become project leader or something....

This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.