awesome

A curated list of awesome projects that I both learnt and drew inspiration from whilst working on glaucus

Active

• Adélie Linux: An independent Libre operating system based on the Linux kernel and musl runtime library
• Alice Linux: A minimal distro that uses musl libc, busybox as main core utilities, a package manager written in POSIX shell script and Wayland as the only gui server
• Alpaquita Linux: A Linux OS designed for containers and cloud environments, that offers a secure, minimal base image that meets the stringent requirements of a secure software supply chain
• Alpine Linux: A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox
• Alpine-S6: MultiArch Alpine Linux + S6 Init System
• Alter Linux: ArchLinux-derived OS made in Japan aimed at being usable by anyone
• Arachsys Linux: An opinionated 'from scratch' Linux distribution based on musl libc
• Arch Linux: A simple, lightweight distribution
• Artix Linux: A rolling-release distribution, based on Arch Linux that uses real init systems, because PID1 must be simple, secure and stable
• Automated Linux From Scratch (ALFS): A project that creates the generic framework for an extendable system builder and package installer
• Bedrock Linux: A meta Linux distribution which allows users to mix-and-match components from other, typically incompatible distributions and integrates these components into one largely cohesive system
• Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS): A project that continues where the LFS book finishes
• Beyond Musl Linux From Scratch (BMLFS): Build Recipes for MLFS [Musl Linux From Scratch]
• bleeding-edge-toolchain: All-in-one script to build bleeding-edge-toolchain for ARM microcontrollers
• Bluedragon: A security-enhanced, fully featured XFCE4 desktop, amd64 Gentoo system, built with musl as its C standard library
• bonsai: A tiny distro-independent package manager
• Buildroot: A simple, efficient and easy-to-use tool to generate embedded Linux systems through cross-compilation
• Carbs Linux: An independent source-based Linux® distribution that aims to be simple, flexible and extensible while staying as pragmatic and practical as possible
• Chimera Linux: A modern general-purpose Linux distribution born from unhappiness with the status quo
• Clear Linux OS: An open source, rolling release Linux distribution optimized for performance and security, from the Cloud to the Edge, designed for customization, and manageability
• CMLFS: Clang-built Musl Linux From Scratch
• Copacabana Linux: An independent Linux® distribution focused on sanity, modularity and liberty based on musl as the C standard library and Heirloom NG as UNIX®-compatible basic command line utilities
• Crosstool-NG: A versatile (cross) toolchain generator
• crosware: Tools, things, stuff, miscellaneous, detritus, junk, etc., primarily for Chrome OS / Chromium OS
• CRUX: A lightweight Linux distribution for the x86-64 architecture targeted at experienced Linux users
• dahliaOS: A modern, secure, lightweight and responsive operating system, combining the best of GNU/Linux and Fuchsia OS
• Damn Small Linux: A compact Linux distribution tailored for low-spec x86 computers
• distri: A Linux distribution to research fast package management
• Docker Linux From Scratch (DLFS): Docker configuration for building Linux From Scratch system
• Dragora: An independent GNU/Linux distribution, based on the concepts of simplicity and elegance, designed from scratch to provide a system composed only by free software
• EasyOS: An experimental Linux distribution
• Eltanin OS: A free, simple, and complete general-purpose operating system
• Embedded Linux Wiki: Preserve and present information about the development and use of Linux in embedded systems as well as open source projects and tools for general embedded development
• eweOS: A musl-based, lightweight, general-purpose Linux distribution, which adopts musl libc and busybox to the latest versions of software with a rolling-release model
• Fatdog64: A small yet versatile 64-bit multi-user Linux distribution
• Fusion OS: A hobby operating system for x86-64 implemented in Nim
• Galeb: A simple musl-based static distro
• Gaming Linux From Scratch (GLFS): A book that introduces and guides the reader through additions to the system like Steam, Wine, and their dependencies after the LFS book or the LFS Multilib book on x86_64 systems
• Gary OS: An entire GNU/Linux system in a single bootable file
• Gentoo Linux: A highly flexible, source-based Linux distribution
• glaucus: A simple and lightweight Linux® distribution based on musl libc and toybox
• gnuinos: A libre spin of Devuan GNU/Linux (a fork of Debian without systemd), allowing users to get control over their computer and ensuring Init Freedom
• GoboLinux: An alternative Linux distribution which redefines the entire filesystem hierarchy
• Heads: A minimal Linux that runs as a coreboot or LinuxBoot ROM payload to provide a secure, flexible boot environment for laptops, workstations and servers
• HeliumOS: An atomic desktop operating system for your devices
• Hyperbola: An independent, fully free and libre, stable, secure, simple and lightweight system built from scratch using the package-management from Arch GNU/Linux and patchsets from Debian with a final goal to provide a full new BSD descendant operating-system named HyperbolaBSD
• Iglunix: A Linux distribution with no GNU software
• Joborun Linux: Arch as it was meant to be, simple, fast, secure, cutting edge - with runit and without systemd
• KISS Linux Community: A meta-distribution created by Dylan Araps, featuring the kiss package manager which makes it easy to maintain your own system
• Kreato Linux: An independent Linux(R) distribution focused on modularity, simplicity and code readability, inspired from projects such as KISS, Gentoo and Arch Linux
• LangitKetujuh: A GNU/Linux distribution with glibc and musl libc based on VoidLinux, using runit init and KDE desktop environment
• lh-bootstrap: A set of scripts that build a disk image for a virtual machine such as QEMU using Linux, musl, BusyBox and skarnet.org tools
• LiGurOS: A source based distribution building upon code and packages from a broad family of Gentoo-based distributions
• Lilblue: A security-enhanced, fully featured XFCE4 desktop, amd64 Gentoo system, built with uClibc as its C standard library
• Linaro: Together with Arm, Linaro co-maintains the Arm software ecosystem, providing the tools, security and Linux kernel quality needed for a solid base to differentiate on
• Linux From Scratch (LFS): A project that provides step-by-step instructions for building a custom Linux system, entirely from source code
• managarm: A pragmatic microkernel-based OS with fully asynchronous I/O
• Metta OS: A multimedia, mobile, social OS
• Milis Linux: A Linux kernel based operating system project that was developed by making use of LFS and has its own unique package building and management system
• minibase: A small static base system for Linux
• Minimal Linux Live (MLL): A tiny educational Linux distribution, designed to be built from scratch using a collection of automated shell scripts
• mkroot: A simple Linux build based on toybox, bootable under qemu for multiple architectures
• MocaccinoOS: A minimal Musl-based Linux From Scratch meta-distribution for the 21st century
• Multilib Linux From Scratch (MLFS): A variant of the LFS book that builds a system that is able to execute 32-bit binaries
• musl-cross: A small suite of scripts and patches to build a musl libc cross compiler
• musl-cross-make: A fast, simple, but advanced makefile-based approach for producing musl-targeting cross compilers
• Musl Linux From Scrath (MLFS): Linux From Scratch using Musl as Libc and S6+S6-rc as init system
• mussel: The shortest and fastest script available today to build working cross compilers that target musl libc
• myLinux: An embedded operating system based on Buildroot and Finit
• NetBSD: A free, fast, secure, and highly portable Unix-like Open Source operating system
• NOIR: An independent Linux® distribution with a focus on performance and practical functionality
• noname linux: A musl based, x86_64 only, lightweight, personal distro
• Obarun: Arch Linux based system without systemd
• OpenBSD: A FREE, multi-platform 4.4BSD-based UNIX-like operating system
• OpenEmbedded: The build framework for embedded Linux
• OpenMandriva Lx: A unique and independent distribution and direct descendant of Mandriva Linux
• OpenWrt: A Linux operating system targeting embedded devices
• OS/1337: A CLI-oriented minimal toybox/Linux + musl distribtion
• OSDev: Provides information about the creation of operating systems and serves as a community for those interested in OS creation
• pts-tcc: A tiny, self-contained C compiler using TCC + uClibc
• s6-overlay: An s6 overlay for containers (includes execline, s6-linux-utils & a custom init)
• Sabotage: An experimental linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox
• Serpent OS: A modern Linux distribution using atomic updates, cutting-edge tooling and rock-solid reliability
• Sigma Linux: An Σlite operating system
• sixos: A NixOS without systemd
• solyste: [s]illy, [o]dd and [l]ightweight [y]pnose's [st]atic [e]nvironment
• stal/IX: A statically linked, source based, bootstrapped rolling Linux, based on IX package manager, clang and musl
• Suckless From Scratch (SFS): A true suckless, linux based system from scratch, inspired by the ideas and concept behind the 'Linux From Scratch' project
• T2: A low-code, ultra portable package manager that allows the fully automated, reproducable, cross compilation of custom Operating Systems using up-to-date packages
• Tin Can Linux: An independent hobby distribution, scrapped together with hidden gems from the Linux community, with the goal of being compact, understandable, hackable, and easy to maintain
• Too Long; Didn't Read Linux From Scratch (TLDRLFS): A short guide that will teach you how to build a working operating system using the Linux kernel in much fewer commands and less time than LFS
• UmVirt LFS (ULFS): A free, source code based, transparent & autonomous GNU/Linux distribution
• Vanilla Dpup: A lightweight, frugal, portable and flexible community-built operating system based on Puppy Linux and Debian
• Venom GNU/Linux: A lightweight source based distro for advanced Linux users
• Void Linux: A general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux® kernel
• Yet Another Musl LibC Linux Distro (YAMLLD): A busybox based musl libc Linux distro based on Yosild with many improvments to it
• Yocto Project: An open source collaboration project that helps developers create custom Linux-based systems regardless of the hardware architecture
• Yoe: An Embedded Linux Distribution built on Yocto and OpenEmbedded with a focus on simplicity

Inactive

• Aalbus: An experimental Linux distribution using musl libc, the LLVM tool chain and a mostly (Net)BSD-derived userland
• Aboriginal Linux: A shell script that builds the smallest/simplest linux system capable of rebuilding itself from source code
• Abyss OS: A modern take on the “just enough OS” paradigm, with a focus on modern components (LLVM, musl) and flexibility
• agunix (Silver Unix): A POSIX userspace focused on cutting the fat out of the typical modern Unix userland
• Alfheim Linux: A systemd free, Arch Linux based operating system customized to help you get the most out of your machine
• android-toolchain-build: The new Android GNU toolchain
• apathy: An independent homegrown operating system featuring Linux in its core, supplemented with musl libc and a standalone LLVM suite
• apathy-mlfs: A libre linux from scratch book utilizing musl libc, libressl, sysvinit and partially busybox
• ARM Cross Linux From Scratch (ARM-CLFS): Notes and instructions to build linux from scratch in a cross compiled manner
• Ataraxia Linux: An independent Linux-based OS focusing on simplicity, security and privacy
• Bare Linux: Barely a Linux
• Baserock: A great way to build custom appliance systems with Linux
• Bleeding Linux From Scratch
• B/LFS-s6
• bootstrap-linux: A complete, self-bootstrapping musl-based Linux system
• Build Your Own Linux (From Scratch): Walks users through building a basic Linux distribution
• Build yourself a Linux: A short tutorial about building Linux based operating systems
• Business Card Linux: A Buildroot distribution small enough to run on a business card
• CloverOS: A minimal (middleware-free) and default out-of-the-box Gentoo image (stage4) and a performance-optimized packages repo (Binhost)
• Community Driven BLFS (CBLFS): An open project that takes over after you have completed a Cross-LFS based build
• Cross-Compiled Linux From Scratch (CLFS): A project that provides you with step-by-step instructions for building your own customized Linux system entirely from source
• Cross Linux From Scratch on the ARM architecture (CLFS-ARM): A project that provides you with step-by-step instructions for building your own customized Linux system entirely from source
• Cucumber Linux: An independent distribution that is usable as an every day, general purpose operating system in a minimalistic way that follows the Unix Philosophy
• Debian From Scratch: An instruction manual for teaching Linux From Scratch users how to make a fully-fledged Debian system based on LFS
• Diverse Linux: A spin of Exherbo Linux that provides a set of opinionated defaults, lightweight and/or performant alternatives, binary packages and pre-installed utilities
• Eclectic Linux: A new mixed distribution based on Exherbo Linux
• EERIE Linux: An experimental distribution built with an alternative C Library called musl, and also comes with the package manager pacman and generally tries to be very close to Arch Linux
• ELLCC: A project using clang and the LLVM compiler infrastructure
• Funtoo Linux: A community-developed Linux meta-distribution and evolution of Gentoo Linux
• GentooLTO: A Gentoo Portage configuration for building with -O3, Graphite, and LTO optimizations
• gentoo-s6-services
• Glasnost Linux: A Linux® distribution using the Clang/LLVM toolchain and musl libc
• Glendix: An attempt at porting ideas from the Plan 9 operating system to Linux
• gnuxc: A GNU operating system cross-compiler, that can create a free, portable, Hurd-based, desktop OS from scratch
• Hanh Linux: An independent, source-based Linux distribution that is fast, lightweight, simple and flexible
• Heddle: A Linux distribution for Docker and KVM, built from scratch using Aboriginal Linux
• Jan Baudisch linux: Jan Baudisch's take on a minimal Linux config, featuring musl and LLVM
• KISS: A Linux(R) meta-distribution for the x86_64 architecture with a focus on simplicity, sustainability and user freedom
• KSLinux: A Linux Distribution Based on GNU/Linux
• LFS-s6: s6 scripts for LFS and BLFS
• Libertine Linux: A secure, built-from git-controlled source Linux system that is fully auditable and runs solely from RAM
• lightcube-bootstrap-musl: Scripts to bootstrap a build environment for LightCube OS using musl libc
• Lilala Linux: Minimal linux for single board computer
• Linux From Scratch Made (more) Easy (LFS-ME): A simple, fakeroot based, package manager for LFS heavily inspired by Arch Linux
• Linux From Scratch on the Raspberry Pi (PiLFS): Build your own complete GNU/Linux distribution for the Pi
• Little Blue Linux (LBL): A basic but usable GNU/Linux operating system distribution that includes all the programs needed to rebuild itself from source code
• make-rootfs: A set of make recipes to bootstrap static musl / llvm based filesystem image
• Mastodon Linux: A Linux distribution that features a primarily BSD Unix userland, a completely a.out set of systems programs (to avoid glibc backwards incompatability), and a lot of experimental things
• Mere Linux: A lightweight Linux distribution built around musl libc, pacman and s6
• MesaLock Linux: A memory-safe Linux distribution where the whole user space applications are rewritten in memory-safe programming languages like Rust and Go
• Moebius: A minimal Linux distribution for the Raspberry PI
• Monolinux: Create embedded Linux systems with a single statically linked executable
• morpheus: A highly experimental, statically linked, musl-based Linux distro
• MUE Linux: An attempt at a minimalistic linux system with strong ideals
• Musl-LFS-s6-Bootscripts: Bootscripts for Musl-LFS (MLFS) using S6 & S6-rc
• Muslpi: CLFS (Cross Linux From Scratch) build system for raspberry pi using the musl libc
• Mutiny: A BSD-inspired Linux system and research project aiming to be a testbed for interesting system design, forward thinking design choices, minimalism, and fun computing
• natickOS: A research Linux Distribution based on the latest Linux Kernel, the BusyBox userland, and the musl C library
• nenuzhnix: The most useless linux distro
• Non-GNU ToolChain (NGTC): A toolchain that can build the Linux kernel, a minimal userspace (e.g. nenuzhnix) and ultimately itself without using any GNU software
• obarun-s6rcserv: s6-rc services
• obarun-s6serv: s6 services
• Opendistro: A project for researching and building software ecosystems, based on POSIX operating systems
• Optimized Musl Linux From Scratch (Optimux): A deriviative of MLFS (Musl Linux From Scratch) with a focus on optimization and speed
• Openwall GNU/*/Linux (Owl): A small security-enhanced Linux distribution for servers, appliances, and virtual appliances
• Panda Linux: An open-source and free operating system based on Debian/Ubuntu and built entirely by compiling source-code, using custom optimizations
• Physix: An experimental, automated Build-From-Source Linux distribution; originally inspired by Linux From Scratch
• prelinux: A set of scripts to build a minimal initrd and filesystem
• qLinux: A distribution study, that uses mussel to build a cross-compiled musl based Linux distribution
• Raptix: An open-source operating system that uses mussel to build a system running a Linux kernel with a custom filesystem hierarchy
• rc: An s6/s6-rc service management database
• rc-user: A user s6-rc hierarchy meant for use with rc
• rlsd2: A small, "live" operating system with GNU/Linux-libre, for the x86 and x86_64 architectures
• rv8.io: A RISC-V simulation suite comprising a high performance x86-64 binary translator, a user mode simulator, a full system emulator, an ELF binary analysis tool and ISA metadata
• s6-boot: Boot files for s6
• Spark: An Arch Linux meta-distro with systemd swapped out for other solutions
• Spider Linux: A work-in-progress, modern, independent, free and open-source Linux distribution
• SSD/Linux: The SSD Linux operating system, that straps NetBSD userland functions onto the Linux kernel
• StarLinux: A Linux Distribution (rewritten from MLL) which can be build directly on the Host Machine
• static linux (stali): A static linux distribution based on the original pre-2010 plans of the suckless.org project, however since 2018 it became independent from suckless.org and is maintained by Anselm solely
• StelaLinux: A research Linux Distribution built with the Linux Kernel, musl C Library, the BusyBox Userland, and a custom init script
• superBoxon: A GNU/Linux distribution based on the Slackware 64 current with a simple and human friendly BSD like init system
• swerve: A suckless-inspired Unix-like monolithic kernel originally designed for i386 machines
• TeoraLinux: An experimental Linux Distribution with Musl, BusyBox, and Java
• tomsrtbt: The most GNU/Linux on one floppy disk
• trinity: A toy linux distro based on morpheus
• Vanilla: A new radically different, simple, modern Linux distribution based on a complete LLVM toolchain, musl and busybox
• Vine Linux: A compact and lightweight Japanese Linux distribution developed by Project Vine and many collaborators
• Warm Linux: A lightweight Linux distribution designed for container-like environments
• Wombat Linux: A lightweight linux distribution built on top of Musl
• Wyverkiss: An alternative rootfs for KISS Linux that doesn't use GNU
• Wyvertux: A(n almost) GNU-free Linux distribution
• Yeti OS: A custom bit-sized linux distro for the RPi zero, cross-compiled from scratch
• Yosild: A single shell script that builds a full, minimal Linux distribution, based on BusyBox
• Zandra: A minimal Linux distribution forked from morpheus that aims to be simple, small, and efficient
• ZilchOS: A minimal viable Linux distribution based on Nix, musl, clang and busybox
• ZYDUX: A toolbox to build the cross compiler and minimal GNU Linux from scratch named ZYDUX

Mirrors

• Codeberg
• GitHub
• SourceHut