I have this idea that I want to write an operating system. I've started to learn C++, but I have a few questions...One is, obviously, am I using the right programming language? I have looked at a few forums on this site, and it seems to be half of the people saying that C++ is good for OS writing, and the other half saying that it's bad. (if whoever answers that question could give a reason, that would be nice) If C++ isn't a good programming language for this project, then what is?
The next question I have is where to start. Clearly, I have to become an expert at programming in whatever language I need first, but then where do I go? I kind of know what a kernel is, but if someone could explain more, that would be nice.
I'll probably come up with more questions later, but that's it for now.
Recommended Answers
Jump to PostC is probably a better language than C++. Lots of operating systems have been written using C.
>>The next question I have is where to start.
Here are some google links you should …
Jump to PostI'm not saying you can't do it in c++, but it will bring a lot of baggage (such as stl classes) that you may not want or need. C will be tighter code, smaller code, and often faster code.
All 7 Replies
C is probably a better language than C++. Lots of operating systems have been written using C.
>>The next question I have is where to start.
Here are some google links you should read
So what makes C better than C++ in this case?
I'm not saying you can't do it in c++, but it will bring a lot of baggage (such as stl classes) that you may not want or need. C will be tighter code, smaller code, and often faster code.
You can use minix and modify source code here and there , you will never be able to write a new OS code yourself.
Will I be able to write the whole OS in C or C++, or will there be parts I won't be able to do?
depends. If the file system is going to be all new then you will have to write a cross compiler first that will target the file system.
If you plan to use one of the existing file systems such as that used in *nix or MS-Windows then you can use one of the existing compilers.
I have not written an os, but I would imagine parts of it may need to be in assembly because there are some assembly instructions that have no c counterpart.
Both C and C++ provide for (implementation defined) asm declaration (builtin assembler code) so the formal answer is "Yes, you might do that". Can you - that's a question.
It is better to bootstrap a new system from the scratch in C because the C runtime support is much more simpler than for C++ one (for example, imagine proper stack unwind after C++ exception code). That's why sometimes C called a very high level assembler...
We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.