# Zephyr

> free real-time operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q22909895](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22909895)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zephyr_(operating_system))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zephyr

## Summary  
Zephyr is a free, open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded devices with minimal processing delay. Developed by the Linux Foundation and Wind River Systems, it supports multiple architectures and is licensed under Apache 2.0. Primarily used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Zephyr emphasizes modularity and scalability.

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: Free and open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) for embedded devices.  
- **Developer**: Linux Foundation (since 2016) and Wind River Systems (since 2001).  
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0.  
- **Initial Release**: Version 1.0.0 launched on February 17, 2016.  
- **Supported Architectures**: ARM, ARC, RISC-V, Xtensa, MIPS, Nios II, and SPARC.  
- **Website**: [zephyrproject.org](https://www.zephyrproject.org) (active since 2016).  
- **Twitter**: [@ZephyrIoT](https://twitter.com/ZephyrIoT) (since February 10, 2016).  
- **Source Code**: Hosted on [GitHub](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr).  
- **Aliases**: Virtuoso RTOS, Rocket, Wind River Rocket.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Zephyr used for?  
A: Zephyr is designed for embedded systems requiring real-time performance, such as IoT devices, wearables, and industrial sensors. It prioritizes low latency and small memory footprints.  

### Q: Is Zephyr free to use and modify?  
A: Yes, Zephyr is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, allowing users to freely use, modify, and redistribute it, including modified versions.  

### Q: Who maintains Zephyr?  
A: The Linux Foundation oversees Zephyr's development, with contributions from Wind River Systems and the open-source community.  

## Why It Matters  
Zephyr addresses the growing demand for lightweight, scalable, and reliable operating systems in the IoT and embedded systems space. Its real-time capabilities ensure timely processing for critical applications like industrial automation and medical devices. By being open-source, Zephyr fosters innovation and reduces barriers for developers, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment. Its modular design supports diverse hardware architectures, making it versatile for niche and mainstream use cases alike. The backing of the Linux Foundation ensures long-term stability and community-driven improvements, positioning Zephyr as a key player in the RTOS ecosystem.  

## Notable For  
- **Modularity**: Supports a wide range of architectures and peripherals, enabling customization for specific hardware.  
- **Real-Time Performance**: Optimized for minimal latency, critical for time-sensitive applications.  
- **Open-Source Ecosystem**: Encourages community contributions and transparency in development.  
- **Industry Adoption**: Used in aerospace, automotive, and IoT sectors due to its reliability.  

## Body  
### Development and Release History  
- **Announcement**: Officially announced by the Linux Foundation on February 17, 2016.  
- **Early Versions**: Version 1.0.0 released concurrently with the announcement; subsequent versions (e.g., 1.6.0, 1.10.0) added features and hardware support.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **License**: Apache 2.0, permitting commercial and non-commercial use.  
- **Programming Language**: Primarily written in C.  
- **Platform Support**: Compatible with ARM, ARC, RISC-V, Xtensa, MIPS, Nios II, and SPARC architectures.  

### Community and Resources  
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub under [zephyrproject-rtos](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos).  
- **Documentation**: Detailed guides available at [docs.zephyrproject.org](https://docs.zephyrproject.org).  
- **Issue Tracking**: Managed via [Jira](https://jira.zephyrproject.org/browse/ZEP).  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Zephyr",
  "description": "A free, open-source real-time operating system for embedded devices.",
  "url": "https://www.zephyrproject.org",
  "license": "https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0",
  "operatingSystem": "Embedded",
  "applicationCategory": "Real-Time Operating System",
  "developer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Linux Foundation"
  },
  "dateCreated": "2016-02-17",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25337960",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zephyr_(operating_system)"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](http://www.eejournal.com/archives/articles/20151125-windriver/)
2. [Source](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/projects/)
3. [Source](https://www.forbes.com/sites/federicoguerrini/2016/02/19/the-internet-of-things-goes-open-source-with-linux-foundations-zephyr-project/)
4. [Source](https://www.zephyrproject.org/news/linux-foundation-announces-project-build-real-time-operating-system-internet-things-devices)
5. [Introduction to the Zephyr Project](https://www.zephyrproject.org/doc/about_zephyr.html#licensing)
6. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
7. [The Linux Foundation Announces Project to Build Real-Time Operating System for Internet of Things Devices. 2016](https://www.zephyrproject.org/news/linux-foundation-announces-project-build-real-time-operating-system-internet-things-devices)
8. [Zephyr Kernel v1.6.0 Release Notes](https://www.zephyrproject.org/content/zephyr-kernel-v160-release-notes)
9. [Release 1.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.6.0)
10. [Zephyr 1.10.0 Released](https://lists.zephyrproject.org/pipermail/zephyr-announce/2017-December/000141.html)
11. [Release 1.10.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.10.0)
12. [Release 1.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.5.0)
13. [Release 1.6.1. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.6.1)
14. [Release 1.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.7.0)
15. [Release 1.7.1. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.7.1)
16. [Release 1.8.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.8.0)
17. [Release 1.9.0. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.9.0)
18. [Release 1.9.1. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.9.1)
19. [Release 1.9.2. 2017](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.9.2)
20. [Release 1.11.0. 2018](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.11.0)
21. [Release 1.12.0. 2018](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.12.0)
22. [Release 1.13.0. 2018](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.13.0)
23. [Release 1.14.0. 2019](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.14.0)
24. [Release 1.14.1. 2019](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v1.14.1)
25. [Release 1.14.2. 2020](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v1.14.2)
26. [Release 2.0.0. 2019](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.0.0)
27. [Release 2.1.0. 2019](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.1.0)
28. [Release 2.2.0. 2020](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.2.0)
29. [Release 2.2.1. 2020](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.2.1)
30. [Release 2.3.0. 2020](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.3.0)
31. [Release 2.4.0. 2020](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.4.0)
32. [Release 2.5.0. 2021](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.5.0)
33. [Source](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.6.0)
34. [Source](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.7.0)
35. [Release Zephyr v2.7.1. 2021](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v2.7.1)
36. [Release Zephyr v2.7.2. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v2.7.2)
37. [Release Zephyr v3.0.0. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v3.0.0)
38. [Zephyr v3.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/zephyr-v3.1.0)
39. [Release 1.14.3. 2021](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v1.14.3)
40. [Release 2.7.3. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v2.7.3)
41. [Release 3.2.0. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.2.0)
42. [Release 2.7.4. 2022](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v2.7.4)
43. [Release 3.3.0. 2023](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.3.0)
44. [Release 2.7.5. 2023](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v2.7.5)
45. [Release 3.4.0. 2023](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.4.0)
46. [Release 3.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.5.0)
47. [Release 3.6.0. 2024](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.6.0)
48. [Release 2.7.6. 2024](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v2.7.6)
49. [Release 3.7.0. 2024](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v3.7.0)
50. [Zephyr 4.0.0. 2024](https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/releases/tag/v4.0.0)