Building

This guide provides instructions for building skiftOS from source.

Prerequisites

• Linux or macOS
• Clang (18 or later)
• Python (3.11.5 or later)
• Tools: llvm, clang, ninja, nasm, qemu
• Installation: Use your system's package manager (e.g., apt on Ubuntu) to install these dependencies.

Instructions

0. Prerequisites:

   Verify that you have the required dependencies installed.

   Ubuntu

   apt update
   
   apt install build-essential git ninja-build libsdl2-dev nasm gcc-multilib qemu-system-x86 mtools liburing-dev
   
   bash -c "$(wget -O - https://apt.llvm.org/llvm.sh)" llvm 17
   

   Arch Linux

   pacman -Syu git clang llvm nasm qemu-full gptfdisk mtools liburing sdl2
   

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/skift-org/skift.git
   
   cd skift
   

2. Check Build Status (Optional):

   Look at the build status badge for any potential issues:

   

   

3. Set Up Build Environment:

   ./skift.sh tools setup
   

   🛈 Note
   On Ubuntu, this step also installs dependencies.

4. Verify Setup:

   ./skift.sh tools doctor
   

5. Download Dependencies:

   ./skift.sh model install
   

6. Build and Run:

   • In Virtual Machine:

     ./skift.sh boot
     

     🛈 Note
     Requires a graphical environment and QEMU with graphics support (SDL or GTK). For headless servers, build a disk image instead: ./skift.sh dist --format=hdd

   • In simulator:

     ./skift.sh run --release hideo-shell
     

     🛈 Note
     The --release flag is optional and can be omitted for a debug build.

   Enjoy! You now have a working installation of skiftOS.

   Need Help? Join the Discord server for assistance in the #build-issues channel.