Redox (operating system)

Redox is a Unix-like microkernel operating system written in the programming language Rust, which has a focus on safety, stability, and performance. Redox aims to be secure, usable, and free. Redox is inspired by prior kernels and operating systems, such as SeL4, MINIX, Plan 9, and BSD. It is similar to Linux and BSD, but is written in a memory-safe language. It is free and open-source software distributed under an MIT License. Redox gets its name from the reduction-oxidation reactions in chemistry; one redox reaction is the corrosion of iron, also called rust. The Redox operating system is designed to be secure. This is reflected in two design decisions: Using the programming language Rust for implementation Using a microkernel design, similar to MINIX Redox provides packages (memory allocator, , display manager, core utilities, etc.) that together make up a functional operating system. Redox relies on an ecosystem of software written in Rust by members of the project. Redox kernel – derives from the concept of microkernels, with inspiration from MINIX Ralloc – memory allocator – inspired by the ZFS Ion shell – the underlying library for shells and command execution in Redox, and the default shell pkgutils – package manager Orbital windowing system – display and window manager, sets up the orbital: scheme, manages the display, and handles requests for window creation, redraws, and event polling relibc – C standard library Redox supports command-line interface (CLI) programs, including: Sodium – vi-like editor that provides syntax highlighting Rusthello – advanced Reversi AI; is highly concurrent, serving as proof of Redox's multithreading abilities; supports various AI strategies, such as brute forcing, minimax, local optimizations, and hybrid AIs Redox supports graphical user interface (GUI) programs, including: NetSurf – a lightweight web browser which uses its own layout engine Calculator – a software calculator which provides functions similar to the Windows Calculator program Editor – simple text editor, similar to Microsoft Notepad File Browser – a that displays icons, names, sizes, and details for files; uses the launcher command to open files when they are clicked Image Viewer – for simple file types Pixelcannon – 3D renderer, can be used to benchmark the Orbital desktop Orbterm – ANSI type terminal emulator Redox was created by Jeremy Soller and was first published on 20 April 2015 on GitHub.