Guide · Open source
How to use Redox OS: clone, build with Podman and explore
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Redox is an open-source operating system written in Rust, built around a microkernel design. This repository is its build system, the tool used to assemble Redox OS from its components. This guide explains what the project is, how to get the build system from the repository, where to find the build instructions, and which kinds of readers it suits.
Redoxredox-os/redox · ★ 16.7k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Read the requirements. Confirm you have Podman installed, since the README lists it as the prerequisite.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/redox-os/redox to get the build system.
- 3Open the build guide. Follow the Podman build instructions in the Redox Book, linked from the README.
- 4Build the system. Complete the build steps from the guide, using the build system reference if you need detail.
- 5Choose how to run it. Run Redox in a virtual machine, or check the hardware compatibility page before using real hardware.
- 6Ask for help. Use the Redox chat and the developer FAQ if the build or boot does not work.
What is Redox OS and who is it for?
Redox is a full operating system rather than just a kernel. The README says it provides components such as a file system, a display server and core utilities that together make a working system. It uses a microkernel architecture and aims to be reliable, secure, usable, correct and free.
The README describes the project as under active development. It is a good fit for developers interested in operating system design, Rust programmers who want to explore or contribute to a systems project, and students studying how operating systems are structured. It is less suited to someone who needs a stable daily-driver desktop.
- Good fit: OS design students, Rust developers, people curious about microkernels
- Less suited: everyday users who need a stable desktop
- The README links a hardware compatibility page rather than promising broad hardware support
Clone the Redox build system repository
The first step is to get the build system source. The README gives this command to clone the repository from GitHub.
git clone https://github.com/redox-os/redoxBuild Redox with Podman
The install method is clone-and-build, and the listed prerequisite is Podman. The README links a Podman build guide in the Redox Book, which is the page to follow for the build steps. Read that guide before you start, because this page does not reproduce its commands.
The README also lists separate documentation for building Redox, the build system reference and the developer FAQ, all linked from the Redox Book.
- Prerequisite: Podman
- Build instructions: the Redox Book page on podman builds
- Reference: the Build System Documentation in the Redox Book
Run Redox in a virtual machine or on real hardware
The README links two routes for running Redox: a virtual machine, and real hardware. Each has its own page in the Redox Book. Check the hardware compatibility page before trying real hardware, since the README does not promise wide support.
- Virtual machine: see the running-vm page in the Redox Book
- Real hardware: see the real-hardware page, and check the hardware compatibility page first
Explore the key Redox components
Redox is split into repositories. The README lists the kernel, base (essential system components and drivers), RedoxFS (the default filesystem), relibc (a C POSIX library written in Rust), Ion (the default shell), Termion (a terminal library), pkgutils (the current package manager), Orbital (display server and window manager) and Redoxer (a tool for Redox development on Linux).
Reading these repositories is a practical way to see how an operating system is structured in code.
- Kernel: the microkernel
- RedoxFS: default filesystem
- Ion: default shell
- Orbital: display server and window manager
- Redoxer: development tool for Linux
Get help and contribute
The README links a chat and support room on Matrix, a contribution guide in CONTRIBUTING.md, and a developer FAQ. Start with the FAQ and the chat if you get stuck during the build.
- Chat and support: the Redox Matrix room linked in the README
- Contributing: CONTRIBUTING.md in the repository
- Developer FAQ: linked from the Redox Book
What people use it for
- Studying how a microkernel operating system is split into components
- Reading the Rust code of the kernel, filesystem or shell to learn systems programming
- Building Redox in a virtual machine to experiment with a non-Linux, non-BSD OS
- Contributing fixes or documentation to a Rust systems project
Frequently asked questions
Is Redox OS free?
The repository is licensed under MIT, and the README shows that badge and links to a LICENSE file. The README also links donation, Patreon and merchandise pages, but it does not list any price for the software itself.
What do I need to install Redox OS?
The README lists Podman as the prerequisite for building. It gives one clone command and links a Podman build guide in the Redox Book for the rest of the steps.
Can I use Redox OS as my daily desktop?
The README describes Redox as under active development, so it is not presented as a stable daily-driver desktop. Treat it as an experimental system for learning and testing.
Does Redox OS support my hardware?
The README does not promise broad hardware support. It links a separate hardware compatibility page, so check that page for your machine before trying real hardware.
Can I run Linux or BSD programs on Redox?
The README says Redox provides source code compatibility with many Rust, Linux and BSD programs. It does not say that binaries run unchanged, so check the documentation for details.
How does Redox compare with seL4, MINIX, Alpine Linux or FreeBSD?
The README names seL4 and MINIX as inspirations, and Alpine Linux and FreeBSD are comparable operating systems in the wider landscape. Choose Redox to study or experiment with a microkernel OS written in Rust; choose Alpine Linux or FreeBSD if you need a mature, widely used system.
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Our verdict
Redox suits developers, Rust programmers and students who want to study or contribute to an operating system built on a microkernel. It is not a good choice if you need a stable daily-driver desktop, broad hardware support or a mature driver and app ecosystem; in those cases, consider a mature system such as Alpine Linux or FreeBSD.
Install options & downloads