Programming Your Own Operating System
Out of the many headache-inducing projects programmers take on, the most difficult is probably creating their very own operating system (OS). Not only does this project combine low-level language with high-level ones, but it also requires programmers to manage and consider thousands of factors as they create line after line of code. This reality is why the successful creation of a functioning system is a notable achievement for anyone in computer programming.
If you’re up for the challenge, this article will list critical things necessary for this very demanding process, as well as the steps for building simple OS development projects
The building blocks of OS development
As an endeavour that deals with how computers work, anyone must create an OS to have a solid foundation in computer science study. A degree would be the best way to go, but online courses offered by distance learning platforms would usually be enough for those who only aspire to do mini-projects.
The computer programming theories and best practices you’ll learn will help you develop features and updates and allow you to increase your system’s stability and security. You would need to be fluent in at least two programming languages — ideally, a low-level one such as assembly language and a higher-level one like C, C++, or Python.
Last but not least, you need a computer with a powerful CPU. Due to how demanding OS development is, you should have a CPU with at least four cores. This way, your hardware will be capable of supporting multiple threads. When picking a new CPU, make sure to consider the number of cores and the unit’s compatibility with your current motherboard. The motherboard is a big PCB where all components are connected within one mechanical structure. Secured by layers of conductive components such as copper traces, pads, heat sinks, and or conducive planes, a motherboard’s compatibility with your new CPU would be of utmost importance in running the codes that will determine your OS project’s success.
Creating your own mini-OS
The first step for creating your OS is to figure out what you want it to look like and how you want to get there. If you are one of those who wish to try it bit by bit, what you can do is use someone else’s code. In other words, instead of writing your custom kernel, you can utilise a premade one like Cosmos or C# that can provide you with the basic building blocks — kind of like Lego pieces, but for OS.
Next, you’ll need to choose a development environment, or the platform you’ll use to build your OS. The most common route for those starting from scratch is to install a UNIX environment into a Windows machine, such as Cygwin or MinGW. Text editors like Vim and emacs, compatible in UNIX environments, are the right places to start, too. But if you’re using Cosmos, a pre-made kernel to which you will be writing your codes, Microsoft Visual Studio is the right choice.
From there, the specific steps will vary depending on your goals and the approach that you’ve chosen, but it’s important to remember to start small. A fully functional OS can’t be built in a day — or even a couple of weeks! — so be patient and take things one step at a time. Maybe start with small things like displaying text to warm up for bigger endeavours like personalized shutdown and restart features, or even memory management and multitasking.
And finally, be sure to test often. Instead of rebooting your computer to test changes, you can use a virtual machine application like VMWare or Bochs, which works for Windows and Linux. Repair bugs as you go, and keep an eye out for potential deadlocks. Once you’re happy with what you have, you can then share it with the greater coding community for further testing and feedback! And most of all — don’t forget to have fun.