> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/redox-os/redox/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to Redox OS

> A Unix-like microkernel operating system written in Rust, focusing on safety, reliability, and correctness.

# Welcome to Redox OS

Redox is an open-source operating system written in Rust, a language with focus on safety, efficiency and high performance. Redox uses a microkernel architecture, and aims to be reliable, secure, usable, correct, and free.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Get started building Redox in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Architecture" icon="diagram-project" href="/architecture/overview">
    Learn about the microkernel design
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build System" icon="hammer" href="/build-system/overview">
    Understand the build system
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contributing" icon="code-pull-request" href="/development/contributing">
    Contribute to Redox OS
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What is Redox?

Redox is not just a kernel, it's a **full-featured operating system**, providing components (file system, display server, core utilities, etc.) that together make up a functional and convenient operating system. Redox uses the COSMIC desktop apps, and provides source code compatibility with many Rust, Linux and BSD programs.

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Microkernel Architecture" icon="cube">
    Improved security and reliability through minimal kernel design
  </Card>

  <Card title="Written in Rust" icon="rust">
    Memory safety without garbage collection
  </Card>

  <Card title="POSIX Compatible" icon="terminal">
    Source compatibility with Linux and BSD programs through relibc
  </Card>

  <Card title="Modern Filesystem" icon="hard-drive">
    RedoxFS with copy-on-write support and snapshots
  </Card>

  <Card title="Orbital Display Server" icon="window">
    Lightweight display server and window manager
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ion Shell" icon="code">
    Modern shell with scripting capabilities
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Inspiration

Redox is inspired by previous operating systems, including:

* **seL4** - Formal verification and security
* **MINIX** - Microkernel architecture
* **Plan 9** - Everything is a file
* **Linux** - Hardware compatibility
* **BSD** - Userland utilities and design philosophy

## Philosophy

Redox follows these core principles:

1. **Safety** - Written in Rust for memory safety
2. **Reliability** - Microkernel isolates failures
3. **Security** - Minimal attack surface, capability-based security
4. **Correctness** - Formal methods where practical
5. **Freedom** - Open source under MIT license

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose your build method">
    Select between [Podman](/build-system/podman-build) (recommended) or [native](/build-system/native-build) build
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the quickstart">
    Build your first Redox image using our [quickstart guide](/quickstart)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Redox">
    Test Redox in a [virtual machine](/hardware/virtual-machines) or on [real hardware](/hardware/real-hardware)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore and contribute">
    Learn the [architecture](/architecture/overview) and start [contributing](/development/contributing)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Community

Join the Redox community:

* **Chat**: [Matrix](https://matrix.to/#/#redox-join:matrix.org) or [Discord](https://discord.gg/JfggvrHGDY)
* **GitLab**: [redox-os](https://gitlab.redox-os.org/redox-os)
* **GitHub**: [redox-os/redox](https://github.com/redox-os/redox)
* **Website**: [redox-os.org](https://www.redox-os.org)

<Note>
  Redox OS follows the [Rust Code of Conduct](https://www.rust-lang.org/policies/code-of-conduct). We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all contributors.
</Note>