# SerenityOS

> operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q65115406](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65115406)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SerenityOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/serenityos

## Summary
SerenityOS is a free and open-source operating system developed as a hobby by programmer Andreas Kling, first released in 2018. It is designed as a modern, Unix-like system with a focus on simplicity, stability, and developer-friendly features.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: Andreas Kling, a Swedish programmer.
- **Inception**: 2018.
- **License**: 2-clause BSD License.
- **Primary programming language**: C++ (as of 2025-07-06).
- **Classification**: Operating system, free and open-source software, hobbyist operating system.
- **Website**: [https://www.serenityos.org/](https://www.serenityos.org/).
- **Source code**: Hosted on GitHub ([https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity](https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity)).
- **User manual**: Available at [https://man.serenityos.org/](https://man.serenityos.org/).
- **Community engagement**: Active on Discord, Reddit, and YouTube (with over 49,700 YouTube subscribers as of 2025-02-22).
- **Notable components**: Includes Ladybird, a web browser engine.

## FAQs
### Q: Who created SerenityOS?
A: SerenityOS was created by Swedish programmer Andreas Kling, who developed it as a hobby starting in 2018.

### Q: Is SerenityOS open-source?
A: Yes, SerenityOS is open-source and licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, allowing for free use and modification.

### Q: What programming language is SerenityOS written in?
A: SerenityOS is primarily written in C++, as of the latest available data (2025-07-06).

### Q: How can I contribute to SerenityOS?
A: You can contribute by visiting the project's GitHub repository ([https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity](https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity)) or joining the community on Discord.

### Q: What is Ladybird in relation to SerenityOS?
A: Ladybird is a web browser engine developed as part of the SerenityOS project, designed to be lightweight and efficient.

## Why It Matters
SerenityOS stands out as a hobbyist-driven, open-source operating system that combines modern design principles with Unix-like functionality. Its development reflects a commitment to simplicity and stability, making it an interesting project for developers and enthusiasts alike. By leveraging open-source contributions, SerenityOS demonstrates how individual efforts can contribute to the broader tech ecosystem. Its community engagement, particularly through platforms like YouTube and Discord, highlights the growing interest in alternative operating systems. While not a mainstream product, SerenityOS serves as a valuable learning tool for those interested in operating system development and design.

## Notable For
- **Hobbyist-driven development**: Created by Andreas Kling as a personal project, showcasing the potential of individual passion in software development.
- **Open-source contributions**: Encourages collaboration through GitHub, fostering a community of developers.
- **Community engagement**: Maintains active presence on social media, including YouTube (over 49,700 subscribers) and Discord.
- **Unique components**: Includes Ladybird, a specialized web browser engine, demonstrating innovation within the project.
- **Unix-like design**: Combines modern features with traditional Unix principles, appealing to developers familiar with such systems.

## Body
### Overview
SerenityOS is a free and open-source operating system developed by Andreas Kling, a Swedish programmer. The project began in 2018 and is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, allowing for free use and modification. The operating system is written primarily in C++ and includes components like Ladybird, a web browser engine.

### Development and Community
Andreas Kling, the primary developer, has been involved since the project's inception. The project has grown through community contributions, with active engagement on platforms like GitHub, Discord, and YouTube. The Discord server has over 4,700 members as of 2022-01-30, reflecting its growing user base.

### Technical Features
SerenityOS is designed with a focus on simplicity and stability. It includes a user manual available at [https://man.serenityos.org/](https://man.serenityos.org/), providing documentation for users and developers. The project's source code is hosted on GitHub, making it accessible for collaboration and improvement.

### Significance
SerenityOS serves as a notable example of a hobbyist-driven open-source project. Its development highlights the potential for individual passion to contribute to the tech ecosystem. The project's community engagement and technical features make it an interesting case study for those interested in operating system development.

## References

1. [Source](https://awesomekling.substack.com/p/forking-ladybird-and-stepping-down-serenityos)
2. [Source](https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity/blob/master/LICENSE)
3. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
4. [Source](https://github.com/SerenityOS/serenity)
5. YouTube API