Linux and BSD alternative Redox OS reaches version 0.9.0 with COSMIC desktop applications and multiple optimizations

On April 20, 2015, Redox OS surfaced as a new microkernel operating system "with a focus on safety, freedom, reliability, correctness, and pragmatism." Written in Rust and assembly language, this project was inspired by pieces of code such as MINIX, Plan 9, SeL4, BSD, and Linux. On its way to version 1.0, which will be released as soon as all system APIs are deemed to be stable, Redox OS stops at version 0.9.0, which comes with quite a few visible changes. Even more, Redox OS 0.9.0 sports multiple under-the-hood adjustments that lead to "massive" enhancements in both performance and stability.

One of the most obvious highlights of Redox OS 0.9.0 is the introduction of COSMIC desktop apps, namely Files, Editor, and Terminal. When talking about software, the Nano and Helix text editors have been ported for Redox OS. Thanks to funding provided by NLnet, Redox OS now comes with solid improvements in process/thread lifecycle and signaling. Additionally, portability of Linux/BSD programs also received solid improvements. Version 0.9.0 also comes with wide-ranging clean-up and debugging of the kernel, drivers, and PCIe support.

In addition to all the above, it should also be mentioned that RustPython is fully functional, the system now includes the first HTTP web server so far (a port of Simple HTTP Server), and much more. All the details can be found in the release announcement linked after the video embedded below.

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