dérive

a simple, independent x86_64 linux distribution built from scratch, for you.

dérive is a work in progress, install at your own risk. contributions appreciated.

view our website at https://derivelinux.org

help with development and converse with others at https://discord.gg/EuRKxXtC

for real gangsters go to irc.libera.chat #derive

what

combines linux kernel with suckless utilities (sbase, ubase, smdev), mksh shell, one true awk, some busybox, and a few other things.

uses custom init script called situation.

designed for simplicity and purity.

building

requires:

• linux host
• wget, tar, gzip, xz
• gcc, make, binutils

you may also need:

• bison, flex

• libelf

• openssl

• rsync (for kernel headers)

• bc (for bmake tests)

• cpio (for initramfs)

• xorriso (for ISO creation)

• other things i have forgotten, work it out

build commands:

make world # full build: tools → kernel → userland → iso
make tools # cross-compiler and utilities
make kernel # linux kernel
make userland # assemble root filesystem
make iso # bootable iso image
make tarball # rootfs tarball only

incremental builds:

make clean # remove outputs, keep src/ cache
make distclean # remove everything including downloads

output

• derive.iso — bootable live system
• out/derive-rootfs.tar.xz — base system tarball

test in qemu:

qemu-system-x86_64 -cdrom derive.iso -m 2048 -nographic

login: root

pass: derive

status

• boots
• runs services
• compiles software
• connects to networks
• does, and doesn't do, many other things.

else

you are free to do whatever you want with this.

really.

software distributed alongside dérive is distributed under the terms of its respective software license.