Introduction

This is the Redox OS book, which will go through (almost) everything about Redox: design, philosophy, how it works, how you can contribute, how to deploy Redox, and much more.

Please note that this book is a work in progress.

If you want to skip straight to trying out Redox, see Getting started.

If you want to contribute to Redox, read these guides: CONTRIBUTING and Developing for Redox.

What is Redox?

Redox OS is a general purpose operating system written in Rust. Our aim is to provide a fully functioning Unix-like microkernel, that is both secure and free.

We have modest compatibility with POSIX, allowing Redox to run many programs without porting.

We take inspiration from Plan 9, Minix, Linux, and BSD. Redox aims to synthesize years of research and hard won experience into a system that feels modern and familiar.

At this time, Redox supports:

• All x86-64 CPUs, and most i686 CPUs since the Pentium II.
• Graphics cards with VBE and/or GOP support (all Nvidia, Intel, and AMD cards from the past decade have this).
• AHCI, IDE, and NVMe disks.
• E1000 or RTL8168 network cards.
• Intel HDA and AC'97 audio controllers.
• Mouse and keyboard with PS/2 emulation.

This book is broken into the following chapters:

Introduction and Getting Started

• Introducing Redox
• Getting started

Architecture and Design

• Design Overview
• The kernel
• URLs, schemes and resources
• Programs and Libraries

Developing with and for Redox

• Developing Overview
• The Redox Build Process
• Developing for Redox
• Best practices and guidelines
• Using Redox GitLab
• Chat

It is written such that you do not need any prior knowledge in Rust and/or OS development.