QuickType
What it builds Operating system
Build your own operating system with AI
Your own small operating system from scratch. It boots in a safe virtual PC, never on your real one. QuickType gets it booting and printing a message first, then builds up from there.
Things people ask for
- "A tiny OS that boots and runs a text shell"
- "An OS with a simple window manager"
- "A hobby kernel with a file system"
Type something like this into QuickType. It asks a few questions, then plans it.
The plan it starts from
Every operating system project starts with these phases. QuickType fills each one with small steps for your idea, and a phase only counts as done when its line is true.
- Boot
Done when: It boots in QEMU and prints a message from your kernel (BOOT OK on the serial log).
- Screen and keyboard
Done when: Text on screen, keyboard typing shows up.
- Memory
Done when: The kernel can hand out and free memory safely.
- Tasks
Done when: More than one task runs at a time (timer and switching).
- Files
Done when: A simple file system: make, read and list files.
- Shell
Done when: A command line where you can type commands like ls, cat and help.
- Ongoing improvement
Done when: Never finished: drivers, graphics, programs.
What it asks you
Only what it can't guess. Pick an answer or type your own.
- Which language should the kernel be written in?
- C (classic, most examples)Rust (safer, newer)You pick
- What kind of computer is it for?
- 64-bit PC (x86-64)Older 32-bit PC (x86)ARM (like a Raspberry Pi)
- How should it start?
- GRUB / Multiboot (easiest)LimineUEFIMy own bootloader (hardest)
- What is it for?
- Learning how computers workA tiny OS for one jobA desktop-like OS someday
- Anything else you want later?
- MouseGraphics modeSoundNetworkingRun on a real old PC from USB
What it adds that people forget
You tick the ones you want when you start, and they go into the plan in the right phase.
- A clear error screen (kernel panic) instead of freezing
- Logging to the serial port so problems can be read
- Automatic boot tests in QEMU after every change
- A short guide to how the OS is put together
What it sets up on your PC
QuickType checks what you already have and asks before installing anything.
- GitSaves every step so anything can be undone
- WSL (Linux inside Windows)OS tools only run on Linux. Needs one Windows restart
- Build tools (gcc, make, NASM, QEMU, GRUB)Compile the OS and boot it in a safe virtual PC
- RustOnly if the kernel is written in Rust
Other things it builds
Same app, same team. One project can be anything on this list.
- WebsiteA website: a business site, portfolio, store front or web app.
- Web appA full web app: sign-in, a database, and pages that change per user (like a small SaaS).
- Roblox gameA Roblox experience built with Roblox Studio (code in files, synced with Rojo or Studio MCP).
- Discord botA bot for your Discord server: commands, games, moderation, reminders.
- AI assistantYour own AI helper or chatbot that runs on a free local model.
- Phone appAn app for Android and iPhone from one codebase (building for iPhone needs a Mac).
- Godot gameA 2D or 3D game made with the free Godot engine, for PC, Mac, phones or the web.
- Unity gameA 2D or 3D game made with Unity (free Personal plan), for PC, Mac, phones or consoles.
- Browser gameA 2D game that runs in any web browser (Phaser or plain JavaScript).
- Python toolA desktop app, command-line tool, scraper or automation script in Python.
- Data and spreadsheetsClean, combine and chart data from Excel / CSV files, with reports that update themselves.
- Desktop appA Windows and Mac app made with web tech (like Discord or VS Code).
- Browser extensionA Chrome / Edge extension: a toolbar button, page tweaks, or a side panel.
- Backend / APIA server other apps talk to: data, accounts, webhooks, integrations.
- Minecraft modA mod for Minecraft Java Edition: new items, blocks, mobs or commands.
- Arduino / ESP32Code for a microcontroller board: sensors, lights, motors, WiFi gadgets.
- Train an AI modelMake your own AI model: train a brand-new one from scratch, or teach an open model with your own data. Runs on your PC.
