NodeOS: The JavaScript Based Operating System
Unlike
other JavaScript development tools, Node.js is developed as a
cross-platform runtime engine. It interprets JavaScript code using
Google’s V8 JavaScript engine. The V8 JavaScript engine converts
JavaScript code into native machine code. But Node.js enables web
developers to write both front-end and back-end code in JavaScript.
Also, it uses a fast, consistent and dependable package manager like
npm to make it easier for developers to specify and install project
dependencies without putting extra time and effort.
The
web developers also have option to avail NodeOS, a lightweight
operating system designed based on Node.js. The project was initially
introduced by Jacob Groundwater in 2013. Jacob Groundwater has
already made release candidates of NodeOS available to developers for
testing and bug detection. Hence, the developers will soon have
option to use version 1.0 of NodeOS in production environments.
However, it is also important for the developers to understand the
key features and technologies that make NodeOS different from other
operating systems.
Overview
of Key Features of NodeOS
Developed
on top of Linux Kernel
The
lightweight operating system in designed on top of the Linux kernel.
It uses the Linux critical to accomplish a variety of performance
critical tasks including hardware interactions. The developers can
run the applications written by targeting Linux operating system on
NodeOS with minimal changes.
Uses
Node.js as Its Primary Runtime
Unlike
other operating systems, NodeOS is written in JavaScript. It uses
Linux kernel to accomplish most performance critical tasks. But it
used Node.js to accomplish all remaining tasks. So the users can take
advantage of various features and tools provided by the
cross-platform runtime engine. Also, they can manage project
dependencies efficiently with npm.
Uses
npm as Its Primary Package Manager
NodeOS
further aims to extend and enhance the functionality of npm as a
robust package manager. As the operating system uses npm as its
primary package mangers, the developers can use any npm package as a
NodeOS package. Hence, the users have option to use more than 244,180
packages. Also, they can easily avail the new npm packages being
updated by other developers on a regular basis.
Different
Layers of the Operating System
The
core NodeOS is divided into a number of layers including barebones,
initramfs, rootfs and usersfs. Each layer has its own structure and
file system. Barebones include the custom Linux kernel and initramfs.
As the initram file system, initramfs facilitates mounting of users
partitions and booting the system and Node.js REPL. At the same
time, rootfs includes the read-only partition images require for
hosting the Linux kernel and initramfs files, whereas usersfs
contains the multi-user file system used by conventional operating
systems.
Keeps
the System Secure
NodeOS
allows each user to work with isolated file systems. Each user can
further use a distinct file system hierarchy to install the packages
globally. When a hacker accesses the operating system through a
specific user account or profile, he will be able to access only the
partition of the specific user. He will lack all options to access
the partition of other users. Hence, no hacker can completely affect
the security of the entire system.
Aims
to Run on Many Platforms
The
developers of NodeOS aim to make the lightweight operating system run
on many devices and platforms. Hence, users will have option to run
NodeOS on their personal computers and other real hardware. At the
same time, they can also run the operating system on virtual
machines, cloud platforms, containers and PaaS providers.
The
developers can gather information about the release date of NodeOS
1.0 from the release
roadmap posted on Github. They can further consider using the
lightweight operating system to build responsive applications by
leveraging the features of JavaScript. But many analysts find it
difficult to review or evaluate NodeOS properly as it is still a work
in progress.
Share story
Jacob Groundwater started the project, but since October 2014 I'm the current lead developer of NodeOS and the one that designed the layered architecture and made it work on real hardware.
ReplyDeleteDavid Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: davidwalsh.name
Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Web Designing Company in Bangalore | Web Design Companies in Bangalore | Website Development Company in Bangalore | Web Development Company in Bangalore | Website Design Company in Bangalore
ReplyDeleteWow, this is truly a fascinating blog post! NodeOS sounds like a groundbreaking project that has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about operating systems. The idea of an operating system built entirely on JavaScript is not only innovative but also incredibly exciting. Great insights! If you are looking forward to hire javascript developers, we will gladly help you.
ReplyDelete