*** WELCOME TO THE TEMPLE ***
TempleOS
A 64-bit public domain operating system built from the ground up by Terry A. Davis. A complete computing environment with its own kernel, compiler, editor, graphics library, documentation, and games.
Built as a complete world.
TempleOS is an unusual, self-contained operating system created by Terry A. Davis. Rather than assembling a desktop from familiar third-party components, Davis wrote the system as an integrated whole: low-level kernel code, compiler, command environment, editor, graphics tools, and a large collection of programs.
Its deliberately constrained display and compact toolchain give it the feel of a personal computer from another era, while its 64-bit design and direct hardware access make it a distinctive systems project.
PUBLIC DOMAINX86-64SINGLE ADDRESS SPACEOPEN SOURCE
Small, direct, integrated.
TempleOS uses an x86-64, ring-0-only design with a single address map, multitasking, and multicore support. Its model is intentionally direct: programs can work close to the machine without the layers commonly found in modern general-purpose operating systems.
- 64-bit pointers and native code generation
- Multitasking kernel with multicore support
- ATA / ATAPI PIO storage support
- FAT32 and the native RedSea file system
- Built-in editor, debugger, profiler, and tools
HolyC: C with its own character.
HolyC is TempleOS's custom C-derived language. It is compiled, not merely interpreted, and is integrated into the operating system's command line and development tools. The Just-In-Time workflow lets a user define a function and invoke it directly from the prompt.
The language and environment are designed to work together: source code, documentation, links, and graphics can coexist within the same native document model.
// A small HolyC-style example U0 HelloWorld() { "Hello, world!\n"; } HelloWorld;█
The example illustrates the compact, immediate feel of the native workflow. It is presented here as a code sample; this web page does not execute HolyC.
Graphics are built in.
The system includes drawing primitives, sprite tools, 2D and 3D graphics libraries, and support for creating images from source code. Its 16-color VGA mode is a defining part of the visual identity.
[ GRAPHICS LIBRARY ] [ SPRITE EDITOR ]
Documents that can run.
TempleOS uses an integrated document format. Source files and command windows can contain text, colors, graphics, icons, links, and interactive elements without relying on separate resource files.
[ HELP ] [ LINKS ] [ SOURCE ]
A computer to explore.
The installation includes games, visual experiments, music tools, and demonstrations. They show how the same compact environment can be used for programming, drawing, composing, and play.
[ GAMES ] [ MUSIC ] [ DEMOS ]
System specifications
| Architecture | x86-64 |
| Kernel model | Ring-0-only, single address map |
| Language | HolyC |
| Compiler | Native 64-bit compiler / assembler; JIT and AOT |
| Display | 640 × 480 VGA, 16 colors |
| Storage | ATA PIO; FAT32 and RedSea |
| Input | Keyboard and mouse |
| License | Public domain |
One creator. One system.
- Development begins under the name J Operating System.
- The project is renamed TempleOS.
- The operating system, language, tools, games, and documentation continue to evolve as one integrated project.
- TempleOS 5.03 becomes the final major release.
- The public-domain source and documentation remain available for study and preservation.
Explore the source.
“A complete computer environment, made to be explored from the inside out.”
This page is an independent visual tribute and a static landing page. It is not the TempleOS operating system, does not emulate its kernel, and does not provide a download or remote shell.