Welcome to Redox OS
Redox is an open-source operating system written in Rust, a language with focus on safety, efficiency and high performance. Redox uses a microkernel architecture, and aims to be reliable, secure, usable, correct, and free.Quick Start
Get started building Redox in minutes
Architecture
Learn about the microkernel design
Build System
Understand the build system
Contributing
Contribute to Redox OS
What is Redox?
Redox is not just a kernel, it’s a full-featured operating system, providing components (file system, display server, core utilities, etc.) that together make up a functional and convenient operating system. Redox uses the COSMIC desktop apps, and provides source code compatibility with many Rust, Linux and BSD programs.Key Features
Microkernel Architecture
Improved security and reliability through minimal kernel design
Written in Rust
Memory safety without garbage collection
POSIX Compatible
Source compatibility with Linux and BSD programs through relibc
Modern Filesystem
RedoxFS with copy-on-write support and snapshots
Orbital Display Server
Lightweight display server and window manager
Ion Shell
Modern shell with scripting capabilities
Inspiration
Redox is inspired by previous operating systems, including:- seL4 - Formal verification and security
- MINIX - Microkernel architecture
- Plan 9 - Everything is a file
- Linux - Hardware compatibility
- BSD - Userland utilities and design philosophy
Philosophy
Redox follows these core principles:- Safety - Written in Rust for memory safety
- Reliability - Microkernel isolates failures
- Security - Minimal attack surface, capability-based security
- Correctness - Formal methods where practical
- Freedom - Open source under MIT license
Getting Started
Follow the quickstart
Build your first Redox image using our quickstart guide
Run Redox
Test Redox in a virtual machine or on real hardware
Explore and contribute
Learn the architecture and start contributing
Community
Join the Redox community:- Chat: Matrix or Discord
- GitLab: redox-os
- GitHub: redox-os/redox
- Website: redox-os.org
Redox OS follows the Rust Code of Conduct. We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all contributors.