Building SFG★OS
The Vision for SFG OS
SFG OS is being built from the ground up with a clear philosophy: create a Linux distribution that is performant, intuitive, stable, and respects the user, leveraging modern technologies while maintaining simplicity.
Our Guiding Principles
Even in the early stages, these goals drive us:
- Performance Obsession: Tuning the system for speed and low resource usage.
- User-Centric Design: Aiming for clean interfaces and sensible defaults.
- Innovative Core: Developing `starpack` to revolutionize package management.
- Open Collaboration: Building transparently with the community via GitLab.
Who is SFG OS For?
SFG OS is designed for users who value simplicity and efficiency in their Linux experience. If you're looking for a distribution that gets out of your way, boots quickly, and provides a straightforward environment without unnecessary complexity, SFG OS aims to be your ideal choice. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user tired of bloat or a newcomer seeking an uncomplicated entry point, our focus on a refined, simple core experience is for you.
Current Status: Alpha
SFG OS is currently in Alpha. This means the core system is taking shape, but features are incomplete, bugs are expected, and major changes may occur.
Progress Highlight: The system can successfully boot into a basic command-line environment (CLI), and the foundational work for `starpack` is underway.
Current Focus: Enhancing `starpack` core functionality, stabilizing the base system, and expanding the initial package set.
Target Features
While in Alpha, these are the key areas and features we are actively building towards.
Optimized Performance
Actively working on kernel tuning and service management for responsiveness.
Starpack Package Manager
Core `starpack` functionality (install/remove/upgrade) is operational but under heavy development.
Astra Desktop Environment
Developing Astra, our custom desktop environment, designed for simplicity, elegance, and performance. Aiming for a clean, intuitive interface. Currently CLI-only as Astra is in early development.
Security Foundation
Implementing security best practices from the start.
Simplicity by Design
SFG OS is built with a 'less is more' philosophy, focusing on a clean, uncluttered experience by avoiding unnecessary software and complex configurations.
Developer Tooling
Basic development tools (GCC, Git) are available via `starpack`. Expanding repositories.
Gaming Support
Future goals include streamlined driver installation and gaming platform access.
Meet starpack ★Alpha Stage
The future core of SFG OS software management. Designed for speed and reliability.
Starpack is being built to overcome the limitations of traditional package managers. Its core functions are usable in the Alpha, but expect rapid evolution.
Design Goals
Unmatched Speed
Achieved through parallel processing for downloads and installations, alongside highly optimized metadata handling to minimize delays.
Dependency Accuracy
Employs a sophisticated solver to ensure robust conflict resolution and maintain system stability during package operations.
Clear & Simple Syntax
Commands are designed to be intuitive and memorable, making package management straightforward for both new and experienced users. This philosophy extends to simplifying the process of creating new starpack packages.
Transactional Integrity
Ensures that package installations, updates, and removals are atomic operations, preventing system inconsistencies even if an operation is interrupted.
Future: Rollbacks & More
Actively exploring advanced features like system rollbacks, package groups, and more to provide a comprehensive and powerful package management experience.
Example Usage (Current Alpha)
# Install available packages
$ starpack install nano htop
# Search for packages (Basic)
$ starpack search terminal
# Upgrade installed packages (updates lists & upgrades)
$ starpack upgrade
# Remove packages
$ starpack remove htop
Actual `create-starpack` output: Building the ICU package, demonstrating significant compression (zstd max-level) by reducing the package size from 43.9MB to just 11.6MB during archive creation.
Development Roadmap (Alpha Focus)
A high-level overview of my current focus and future plans during the Alpha stage.
Completed / Preparing for Deployment
- Starpack: Upgrade logic & dependency improvements
- Base Package Repository Expansion (coreutils, compilers, etc.)
- Basic Display Server Setup (Xorg/Wayland - experimental)
In Progress (Current Alpha Focus)
- Systemd Integration & Service Tuning
- Build System Refinement
Planned (Next Steps / Post-Alpha Goals)
- Default Desktop Environment Integration
- User-friendly Installer
- Hardware Detection & Driver Management
- Starpack: Advanced Features (Rollback, Groups)
- Community Repository Infrastructure
- Website V1 & Basic Documentation
- Beta Release Milestones
Get Involved & Contribute (Alpha Stage)
SFG OS is an open-source project driven by its community. All development happens on GitLab. Your contributions during this Alpha phase are crucial!
How You Can Contribute
We welcome contributions of all kinds:
- Explore the Code: Browse the main SFG OS project on GitLab.
- Starpack Development: Dive into the Starpack repository to contribute to our innovative package manager.
- Report Starpack Issues: Found a bug or have a suggestion for Starpack? Open an issue for Starpack here.
- General Issues & Ideas: For broader SFG OS feedback or ideas, please use the issue trackers within the relevant GitLab project repositories.
- Improve Documentation: Help write guides or documentation within the repo.
- Discuss Ideas: Participate in discussions on GitLab.
Help shape the future of SFG OS from its early stages!
