# MIDIbox Operating System
**Wikidata**: [Q21597544](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21597544)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/midibox-operating-system

## Summary
MIDIbox Operating System (MIOS) is an operating system written entirely in assembly language, designed to manage computer hardware resources for MIDI applications. It has been actively developed since at least 2005, with multiple versions released including 1.8, 1.9, and 1.9h.

## Key Facts
- MIDIbox Operating System is an instance of an operating system
- It is also classified as free software (until 2006-04-09)
- The system is written entirely in assembly language
- It has aliases including "MIOS"
- Version 1.9h was released on 2014-12-19
- Version 1.9 was released on 2006-04-09
- Version 1.8 was released on 2005-05-29
- Source code is available at http://svnmios.midibox.org/listing.php?repname=svn.mios&path=%2Ftrunk%2Fmios%2F
- The repository uses Mercurial as of 2016-10-06

## FAQs
### Q: What is MIDIbox Operating System?
A: MIDIbox Operating System (MIOS) is an operating system written in assembly language that manages computer hardware resources, specifically designed for MIDI applications. It has been developed since at least 2005 with multiple versions released.

### Q: When was MIDIbox Operating System first released?
A: The earliest known version of MIDIbox Operating System is version 1.8, released on 2005-05-29. Subsequent versions include 1.9 (2006-04-09) and 1.9h (2014-12-19).

### Q: What programming language is MIDIbox Operating System written in?
A: MIDIbox Operating System is written entirely in assembly language, which is unusual for an operating system as most are developed in higher-level languages.

### Q: Is MIDIbox Operating System still maintained?
A: As of the last known version 1.9h released on 2014-12-19, the system was still being maintained. The source code repository was using Mercurial as of 2016-10-06.

## Why It Matters
MIDIbox Operating System matters because it represents a rare example of an operating system written entirely in assembly language, which typically offers superior performance and direct hardware control compared to higher-level languages. This makes it particularly valuable for real-time MIDI applications where timing precision is critical. Its development history spanning at least a decade (from 2005 to 2014) demonstrates its sustained relevance in the music technology community. As free software, it has provided accessible tools for musicians and developers to create custom MIDI controllers and instruments, democratizing access to professional-grade music technology.

## Notable For
- Written entirely in assembly language, a rare choice for an operating system that offers direct hardware control and potentially superior performance for real-time applications
- Maintained for an extended period with at least three major versions released between 2005 and 2014
- Classified as free software until at least 2006-04-09, making it accessible to developers and musicians
- Uses Mercurial for version control as of 2016-10-06, indicating modern development practices
- Designed specifically for MIDI applications, addressing the unique timing requirements of music technology

## Body
### Overview
MIDIbox Operating System (MIOS) is an operating system designed to manage computer hardware resources, with a specific focus on MIDI applications. It is notable for being written entirely in assembly language, which is uncommon for operating systems.

### Technical Details
- Programming Language: Assembly language
- Classification: Operating system and free software (until 2006-04-09)
- Aliases: MIOS
- Source Code Repository: http://svnmios.midibox.org/listing.php?repname=svn.mios&path=%2Ftrunk%2Fmios%2F
- Version Control System: Mercurial (as of 2016-10-06)

### Version History
- Version 1.8: Released on 2005-05-29
- Version 1.9: Released on 2006-04-09
- Version 1.9h: Released on 2014-12-19

### Development Status
The system has been actively developed since at least 2005, with multiple versions released over a nine-year period. The source code repository was still being maintained as of 2016-10-06, when it was confirmed to be using Mercurial for version control.

## References

1. [Source](http://ucapps.de/ucapps_changelog.html)