TempleOS
TempleOS is an open source operating system developed by Terry A. Davis starting in 2003. It is designed to be an old-school, 16-bit operating system built from scratch with Biblical references and built-in support for coding in HolyC, a C/C++ variant.
open-source
16bit
retro-computing
biblical-references
holyc
TempleOS: An Open Source 16-Bit OS
An old-school operating system built from scratch with Biblical references and support for HolyC coding, developed by Terry A. Davis starting in 2003.
What is TempleOS?
TempleOS is an open source operating system developed by Terry A. Davis starting in 2003. It was created as a hobby operating system using a homemade compiler and self-made programming language called HolyC. The OS and programming language incorporate elements of Davis's religious and spiritual beliefs, including many references to God, angels, and biblical verses.
From a technical perspective, TempleOS is a 16-bit, single-tasking operating system with limited hardware support compared to mainstream operating systems. It has rudimentary versions of common OS components like a shell, file system, and graphics capabilities. The interface uses biblical imagery and references religious themes throughout.
Over the years of development, Davis became increasingly afflicted with mental illness, claiming God was directing and speaking to him. This resulted in interjecting more religious content and themes into TempleOS. The OS and Davis's writings attracted attention from some online communities that encouraged his beliefs or found amusement in his unusual work.
After Davis's death in 2018, TempleOS and its documentation have been preserved as an idiosyncratic example of DIY OS development that reflects one developer's personal perspective intertwined with technical elements. While not functional as an everyday OS, it represents Davis's dedication to his unique vision.
TempleOS Features
Features
- Designed as a biblical themed 16-bit operating system
- Built from scratch by Terry A. Davis starting in 2003
- Includes its own programming language called HolyC (variant of C/C++)
- Single-user, single-tasking operating system
- Includes an IDE, compiler, kernel and file manager
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Very fast and lightweight
Novel concept and design
Educational for learning low-level OS development
Free and open source
Cons
Very limited functionality compared to modern OSes
Sparse documentation
Development stalled after the passing of its sole creator
Eccentric themes may not appeal to all users
Official Links
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