World's Smallest Operating System
CrypticOS is an operating system mostly written in a custom bytecode, which can be emulated anywhere.
Design
- Any program should be loaded on any emulator, and run perfectly.
- X86 bootable should be usable within 256 bytes.
- "Make it simple, and keep it simple"
Huh??
- Yes, this is a hobby project, mainly for keeping me sane in 2020/2021 during the lockdowns.
- Yeah, it sucks. It's way worse than DOS and runs on an obscure BrainFuck clone.
- The custom bytecode has 16 commands. It's mostly BrainFuck, but with some extra things that make it easier to write operating systems with (insane idea)
- That being said, I recommend you don't make another BrainFuck clone. You'd be better off making another memory-safe general-purpose systems programming language, and rewrite every major piece of software in it.
Goals
- Write OS in <512 bytes
- Write simple programs for it
- Write assembler that compiles to it (casm)
- Write operating environment in the assembler
- Self host the assembler or make a C compiler
Building
Install CASM assembler (for main test binary)
make b_casm
Note: Make sure you are in the x86 directory.
Main test binary
sudo apt install qemu-system-x86 nasm
make b_x86
Try: !%***.
Also try !% to load the edit app. Press ESC to exit.
256 byte Version
Very basic. Type !%***. and enter to test it out.
cd x86 && make tiny
So what does it do?
CrypticOS uses a BrainF* inspired esoteric language as its main runtime.
It is different in many ways, mainly with logic and loops. In design it should
have the simplicity of BrainF*, but be more usable, efficient, and Assembly-like.
You can see the full specification in standard/