Is it possible to build an OS for final year project?

[cout]

is is possible to build a "hello World" OS or maybe a subset of it, perhaps a kernel for a final year project. I am currently in my 4th semester so if start now i will have 2 years.

I know building an OS is as challenging as programming can get but is it possible to build a basic,bare bones,academic OS(around 15-20K lines of code, more of like minix 2) for a final year project. I know it would probably depend upon my skill. But i just need a prospective on what i am getting into.

Would be really really glad for your helpful suggestion.

[LindusSystem]

Hello World OS is not hard, you can make your hello world OS easily in hours if your try reading some tutorials and understanding them.But to be successful what I would recommend is to develop a neat plan and structure of your OS in a rough paper before you start(That includes what type of kernel you want, which arch,what features,memory scheam,etc).

I would suggest you to make 2 files ,one assembly and other a C and use the following.

Code: Select all

;Assembly File, save as *.asm
bits 32
global start
start:
extern _main
call _main
cli 
hlt

This is known as boiler plate and it is good to use one.
And the C code to be

Code: Select all

//C Script,save as *.c
//Add your printing functions here
void main()
{
   //Call all functions here
   for(;;);
}

And what you do now is go to wiki.osdev.org, try the tutorials under the Video Section and add the function to the C Script and call them in the main.

[gerryg400]

By "hello World" OS I think cout means an operating system capable of loading and executing a userspace "Hello world" program.

That would require a kernel, memory manager, console and keyboard drivers and some type of file system. If you were prepared to re-use lot's of existing software (like for example newlib, bash/dash, and perhaps some of the coreutils then it just might be possible. It will depend a lot on your skill set and determination. Certainly there are projects on this list that have progressed to that point in less than 2 years.

[cout]

gerryg400 is right about what i meant, and yes i am prepared to reuse a lots of code(its a FYP project, i mean even if one makes a database in php or an application in sharp it would still be using a lot of in house code).

[bluemoon]

If it's your first time develop an OS, but you already have all the system level knowledge (or experience to learn/grap new knowledge quick), you would need about 2-3 month intensive work to reach the stage of loading applications linked with libc, that can be further shortened to one month if you give up your life and beer.