# Haiku

> free/libre/open source operating system inspired by BeOS and compatible with its version 5

**Wikidata**: [Q215448](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q215448)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku_(operating_system))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/haiku

## Summary
Haiku is a free/libre/open source operating system inspired by BeOS and compatible with its version 5. It is a Unix-like operating system designed for personal desktop use, developed by Haiku Inc. with Michael Phipps as a key contributor.

## Key Facts
- Haiku development began in 2002, evolving from the OpenBeOS project.
- It maintains binary compatibility with BeOS version 5, allowing legacy applications to run.
- The current version is R1/beta5, released on September 13, 2024.
- Haiku is classified as a Unix-like operating system, though it uses the NewOS kernel rather than Linux.
- The project is developed by Haiku Inc., with Michael Phipps being a notable contributor.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Haiku compatible with?
A: Haiku is compatible with BeOS version 5, maintaining the ability to run applications designed for that system while providing a free and open-source alternative.

### Q: Who develops Haiku?
A: Haiku is developed by Haiku Inc., with Michael Phipps being a notable contributor to the project.

### Q: What is the current version of Haiku?
A: The current version of Haiku is R1/beta5, which was released on September 13, 2024.

### Q: When was Haiku first created?
A: Haiku development began in 2002 as a successor to the OpenBeOS project.

## Why It Matters
Haiku matters as it represents a preservation and continuation of BeOS's design philosophy in the open-source world. BeOS was recognized for its efficient, responsive design optimized for multimedia applications and multiprocessor systems. Haiku provides users with an operating system that maintains this heritage while being free and open-source. The project has persisted for over two decades through volunteer efforts, demonstrating the dedication to keeping BeOS's unique approach alive. For users interested in alternative operating systems with different design philosophies from mainstream options, Haiku offers a compelling experience that values responsiveness and multimedia capabilities.

## Notable For
- Haiku is notable for its long-term development commitment, having been in development since 2002.
- It maintains binary compatibility with BeOS version 5, allowing legacy applications to run on modern hardware.
- The project represents one of the most sustained efforts to recreate a classic operating system (BeOS) with modern updates in the open-source community.
- Haiku features a custom kernel (NewOS) designed for efficiency and responsiveness on personal computers.
- The project has developed its own unique file format, the Haiku Vector Icon Format, for system graphics.

## Body

### Overview
Haiku is a free/libre/open source operating system that began development in 2002. It is inspired by BeOS and maintains compatibility with version 5 of that system. The project was created as an open-source alternative to BeOS after its original development ceased.

### Technical Foundation
Haiku is classified as a Unix-like operating system, though it does not use the Linux kernel. Instead, it features the NewOS kernel, which was originally developed by Travis Geiselbrecht. This design choice distinguishes it from other Unix-like systems that typically rely on the Linux kernel.

### Development History
- Development began in 2002
- The project evolved from OpenBeOS, which was an initiative to recreate BeOS as open source
- The name changed from OpenBeOS to Haiku in 2003
- Development has been ongoing for over two decades through community efforts
- Haiku Inc. was established to manage the project's development and resources

### Version History
- R1 Alpha 4.1 (released November 14, 2012)
- R1/beta1 (released September 28, 2018)
- R1/beta2 (released June 9, 2020)
- R1/beta3 (released July 26, 2021)
- R1/beta4 (released December 23, 2022)
- R1/beta5 (released September 13, 2024) - current version as of data provided

### Software Ecosystem
Haiku supports various applications including:
- NetSurf web browser
- LibreOffice Base (database application)
- Gambas (integrated development environment for BASIC)
- Nim programming language
- WebPositive (default web browser)
- Tracker (file system manager)

### Related Projects
Cosmoe represents a related but distinct project that attempted to build a hybrid operating system on a GNU/Linux foundation while incorporating OpenBeOS/Haiku code, though it was halted at an early development stage.

### Community and Presence
The Haiku project maintains an active community with presence on:
- Official website: https://www.haiku-os.org
- Twitter account: @haikuos (since March 23, 2009)
- Reddit community: r/haikuOS (since May 10, 2010)
- Mastodon account: @haiku@mastodon.xyz (since April 29, 2017)
- Telegram channel: @haiku_os
- Lemmy community: haikuos@sopuli.xyz

### Social Media Following
The project's Mastodon account has shown growth in followers:
- 1,662 followers as of February 12, 2024
- 1,702 followers as of March 16, 2024
- 1,734 followers as of April 11, 2024

### Licensing and Code
Haiku is released under the MIT License, with its source code available at https://git.haiku-os.org. The project uses the cgit web interface for source code management.

### Documentation and Learning Resources
The project provides documentation including:
- User manual available at https://www.haiku-os.org/docs/userguide/en/contents.html
- RSS feeds for updates (main feed and blog feed)
- Documentation available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Chinese, Italian, Polish, and Ukrainian

### Project Identity
The operating system is known by several aliases including OpenBeOS, Haïku OS, Haïku, NewOS, Haiku-OS, Haiku OS, OBOS, Open BeOS, Хайку-ОС, and Хокку-ОС. These alternate names reflect its evolution and various naming conventions used throughout its history.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Haiku",
  "description": "Free/libre/open source operating system inspired by BeOS and compatible with its version 5",
  "url": "https://www.haiku-os.org",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.haiku-os.org/about/trademark_policy/)
2. [Source](https://www.haiku-os.org/about/faq#where-does-the-name-haiku-come-from)
3. [Source](https://git.haiku-os.org/haiku/tree/License.md)
4. [Source](https://www.haiku-os.org/news/2018_09_28_haiku_r1_beta1/)
5. [Get Haiku!. 2020](https://www.haiku-os.org/get-haiku/r1beta2/)
6. [Source](https://www.haiku-os.org/get-haiku/r1beta3/)
7. [Haiku R1/beta4 has been released!. 2022](https://www.haiku-os.org/news/2022-12-23_haiku_r1_beta4/)
8. [Haiku R1/beta5 has been released!. 2024](https://www.haiku-os.org/news/2024-09-13_haiku_r1_beta5/)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Home | Haiku Project](https://www.haiku-os.org/#page)
11. [Source](https://www.haiku-os.org/community/social-media)