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NodeOS - The Node.JS Based Operating System

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05th Sep, 2023
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    NodeOS - The Node.JS Based Operating System

    NodeOS is the first operating system built with node.js and NPM. Jacob Groundwater released this operating system in 2013, and the full source code is accessible on Github. Jacob based this operating system primarily on the Linux kernel, Node.js as runtime, and NPM for package management.  

    To manage crucial performance tasks such as hardware interactions, NodeOS employs the Linux Kernel. The remaining functions are handled by the operating system via the cross-platform Node.js runtime and package management with NPM.  

    The NodeOS is divided into layers: 

    • Barebones- The custom kernel (Linux) and initramfs. 
    • Initramfs:it starts the Node.js REPL, boots the system, and allows user partitions to be mounted. 
    • Rootfs:contains read-only partition images for Linux kernel hosting as well as initramfs files. 
    • Usersfs- comprises the traditional multi-user file-system. 

    Learn all about NodeOS, NodeJS and NPM with our full stack web development course.  

    Overview of Key Features of NodeOS  

    • Ease of use for deploying Node applications:

    The core goal of NodeOS is to create an ethereal operating system that allows developers to quickly deploy Node.js applications without trying to invent separate images for each one. 

    • NPM:  

    Because JavaScript is perhaps simpler to work with, using Node.js and NPM for development decreases the competition for programmers. The number of libraries in NPM is enormous, making it easier to reuse third-party code.  

    • User-level filesystem: 

    NodeOS brought the theory of user-level filesystems. Without access to other partitions, a user can only operate, install, and work on his or her own filesystem. Because the entire system cannot be impacted, this provides a significant security benefit. 

    • Linux at core: 

    Because NodeOS is based on the existing Linux kernel, it should theoretically work with most Linux software. It can run all the great programsthat we expect from a modern operating system. Furthermore, because it makes use of NPM as its default package manager, we can use any of its javascript libraries at any time.  

    Let’s see how fast we can build NodeOS.

    Build NodeOS in five steps 

    Step 1: Download the project source code:  

    git clone git@github.com:NodeOS/NodeOS.git 
    cd NodeOS 

    Step 2: Install the necessary development tools. You can do it on an Ubuntu-based system by typing: 

    sudo bin/install-dependencies 

    Step 3: Install NodeOS based dependencies: 

    npm install 

    Step 4: Build NodeOS: 

    npm run build 

    It will generate some files which can be used with QEmu by default, which have been compiled for your particular machine architecture. By trying to pass some environment variables to the build process, you can customise it. Instead of using 32 bits, use BITS=32 npm install. 

    Step 5: Execute the following commands with your freshly compiled NodeOS image: 

    npm start 

    It will automatically detect the CPU architecture required for QEmu and run the appropriate emulation. 

    Single Process OS 

    NodeOS is used as a single-process operating system, with only one executable running at a time. When running npm run build, set the SINGLE USER environment variable to the name of a npm module. Consistency can be obtained by implementing this environment variable to just an empty string and afterward using a custom usersfs partition, but that's still experimental.  

    NodeOS on LXC containers (Docker and vagga) 

    Due to the inability to mount filesystems from within LXC containers, support is currently unmaintained. On Docker Hub, there are some NodeOS images, but they are completely outdated. You can build them from source code if you need assistance or testing. 

    Vagga support is still in its early stages. 

    Quick Start: 

    1. Install Docker 
    2. It's simple to run a NodeOS instance once you've installed Docker. All you have to do is run the following command, and Docker will take care of the rest: 

    sudo docker run -t -i nodeos/nodeos 

    Docker instantaneously downloads the NodeOS disc image from a repository and instals NodeOS inside a virtual machine when you run the previous mentioned command. When the installation is finished, an SSH session to the NodeOS shell is opened. 

    Build from Source: 

    There are several reasons to avoid using Docker, one of which is the latest NodeOS version. If you want to use the most recent version, you must obtain the source code. That isn't particularly difficult, but it does take a long time. You'll need the following items: 

    • Linux on a computer. You can compile it on OS X, but it will take longer because a cross compilation is required. The same is true of Windows. 
    • Make, g++, gcc, and autoconf are all Linux build utilities. 
    • Qemu 

    Once you have everything, you can start compiling the source code: 

    • Download the project source code: 

    git clone https://github.com/NodeOS/NodeOS.git 

    • cd NodeOS 
    • PLATFORM=docker npm install 

    Uses Node.js as Its Primary Runtime 

    NodeOS is a Linux kernel built-offoperating system based on Node.js. It uses the Linux kernel for the most performance-critical tasks, such as hardware interactions, but Node.js for everything else. 

    The basic idea behind Node.js is to use non-blocking, event-driven I/O to keep data-intensive real-time applications running all over distributed devices light and effective. 

    The NodeOS Project aims to run on the following platforms, and can already do so: 

    • real hardware like desktops, laptops, or SoC's (Raspberry Pi) 
    • cloud providers like Joyent, Amazon or Rackspace 
    • virtual machines like QEmu, VirtualBox, VMWare and KVM 
    • PaaS providers like Heroku or Joyent's Manta 
    • container providers like Docker & Vagga 

    Uses npm as Its Primary Package Manager  

    The goal of NodeOS is to provide quite enough features to allow npm to run, with the rest coming from npm packages. As a result, users have access to a vast collection of approximately 250,000 packages and growing every day. And because everything is open-source, it's always simple to fix bugs and add new packages to npm as needed.  

    Take a node js course now to learn more about the features, packages, and exert tips and tricks in NodeOS and Node.js 

    Different Layers of the Operating System 

    The layered operating system is made up of six layers. The following is a diagram that illustrates these layers:  

    Layers of operating system

    • Hardware Layer: 

    We use a variety of devices with our computers, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, and so on. The hardware layer is responsible for managing these types of hardware devices. Ithas the most authority and is directly connected to the system's core.  

    • CPU Scheduling Layer:

    This layer is in charge of scheduling CPU processes. Processes are handled using a variety of scheduling queues. Theseprocesses are placed in the job queue as soon as they enter the system. The ready queue contains the processes that are prepared to run in main memory.  

    • Memory Management: 

    This layer is responsible for all memory management. As you may be aware, the computer has several types of memories, including RAM and ROM. When it comes to RAM (random access memory), it's all about swapping data in and out of memory. When our computer is running, some processes are moved to main memory (RAM) for execution, and when programmes (such as the calculator) exit, they are removed from main memory.     

    •  Process Management: 

    This layer oversees managing the processes, which includes assigning the processor to a specific process at a given time.FCFS (first come, first served), SJF (shortest job first), priority scheduling, round-robin scheduling, and other algorithms are used for process scheduling.  

    • I/O Buffer: 

    Assume you're typing on a keyboard. A keyboard buffer is connected to the keyboard and stores data for a limited time. In the same way, every input/output device has a buffer attached to it. This is due to the slow processing/storage speed of the input/output devices. Buffers are used by the computer to keep the processor and input/output devices in sync. This layer is where the buffers are managed.  

    • User Programs: 

    In a layered operating system, this is the topmost layer. This layer is responsible for the many user programs and applications that run on a computer, such as word processors, games, and browsers.  

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    Keeps the System Secure

    If you're hacking on NodeOS for a production environment, you'll probably want to create a custom usersfs image or customise one once it's booted, because each user is separated from others and can describe their own root filesystem, but you can customise all other layers if you want.  

    For example, modify initramfs to allow users to login and fasten their home folders from a cloud storage service, or devise a set without outsourcing (no root user), or dedicate a full NodeOS instance to a single Node.js application. 

    Aims to Run on Many Platforms

    NodeOS is unique asit can run on any hardware, including computers, virtual machines, cloud applications, and custom machines. The OS has a lower latency, allowing it to run on a basic Raspberry Pi that can be combined with any other hardware device, regardless of disc size or space requirements.  

    What lies ahead for NodeOS?

    Implementing anything in NodeOS is simple; all you need is a basic understanding of Node.js. NodeOS aims to run on a wide range of platforms, including real hardware (PCs or SOCs), cloud platforms, virtual machines, PaaS providers, and containers (Docker and Vagga), among others.  

    NodeOS has a lot of potential to become a great operating system once more features are added. So, if you're a Node.js admirer with a particular fondness for trying new things, this could be the thing for you with knowledgehut node js course. 

    Profile

    Abhresh Sugandhi

    Author

    Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

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