Article by Ayman Alheraki on January 11 2026 10:36 AM
Designing an operating system is one of the most complex and ambitious software projects. Operating systems are the fundamental programs that manage all computer resources and provide an environment for running other applications. If you are considering designing an operating system using languages like C, C++, or Rust, you need a deep understanding of many advanced concepts in computer science.
Kernel: This is the most critical part of the operating system, responsible for managing resources such as memory, processors, and peripheral devices. There are different types of kernels, such as Monolithic Kernel and Microkernel.
Memory Management: You need to understand how virtual memory, physical memory, and memory allocation and deallocation work. This also includes understanding techniques like Paging and Segmentation.
Process Management: This involves how processes are created, switched, prioritized, and synchronized (Process Synchronization).
File Management: You need to understand how files are organized, accessed, and managed within a file system.
C and C++: These are the most common choices for writing operating systems due to their ability to directly control hardware. C is the primary language used in developing the Linux kernel.
Rust: A modern language that is gaining popularity in low-level system development due to its safety features, such as safe memory management without the need for a garbage collector.
Hardware Interaction: You need to understand how to interact with physical components like processors, memory, and peripheral devices. This includes understanding how input/output (I/O) units work and how to control them.
Assembly: Although you may not need to write much code in Assembly, understanding it will help you understand how programs interact with hardware.
Linux: Studying the source code of the Linux kernel can be a great source of inspiration and education. Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning you can explore how the kernel works and how resources are managed.
Minix: A small operating system designed for educational purposes, which can be a good starting point for understanding the basics of operating systems.
Simple Kernel: Start by writing a simple kernel that performs basic tasks like memory and process management. You can begin with educational projects like writing a simple kernel that prints a message to the screen.
Bootloader: Learn how to write a simple bootloader to load your operating system. This involves understanding the booting process and how to load the kernel into memory.
Books: There are many books that cover operating system development, such as "Operating System Concepts" by Abraham Silberschatz and "Modern Operating Systems" by Andrew Tanenbaum.
Communities and Forums: Participating in communities like Stack Overflow or operating system development forums can provide support and answers to your questions.
Developing an operating system is a massive and complex project that requires a lot of time and effort. Be prepared to face challenges and learn from mistakes. You may encounter issues like crashes or memory leaks, but these challenges are part of the learning process.
Compiler: Such as GCC or Clang.
Emulator: Like QEMU to run your system without needing physical hardware.
Debugging Tools: Such as GDB to debug your code.
If you have friends or colleagues interested in the same field, you can work together to exchange ideas and divide tasks. Teamwork can make the project more enjoyable and less stressful.
As mentioned, self-confidence and belief in your abilities are key. Every operating system started as an idea in someone's mind, and with hard work and learning, you can achieve it.
Designing an operating system is a massive project that requires a lot of knowledge and skill, but it is also a project full of challenges and achievements. With focus and continuous learning, you can achieve this goal. Good luck!