Step by Step OS Development: Novix for RISC-V 64 (Part 1)

RISC-V OS Development · Kernel · QEMU · Low-Level Programming

What you'll learn
- Install and configure a RISC-V 64 development environment from scratch
- Build, run and test a minimal operating system using QEMU
- Understand the boot process and linker script for RISC-V 64 systems
- Write and debug kernel code in C and assembly step by step
- Implement basic UART communication for input and output
- Explore interrupts, timers and low-level hardware drivers
- Apply microkernel concepts to extend the OS gradually
- Gain hands-on experience with real system-level coding workflows

Requirements
- Basic programming knowledge (C language recommended, but not required)
- A computer capable of running VirtualBox and Ubuntu Linux
- Willingness to learn low-level concepts step by step
- No prior operating system or hardware experience needed
- Internet connection to download tools and GitHub repositories

Description
Build Your Own 64-Bit RISC-V Operating System From Scratch — Step by Step.

Ever wondered what happens when a computer starts up,

how an operating system is born from a single line of code?

In this hands-on course, you’ll build your own64-bit RISC-V operating systemcompletely from scratch.

No magic. Just you, your compiler, and the Novix microkernel — growing line by line.

What You’ll Learn :

You’ll start from a clean Linux virtual machine and set up a modern RISC-V development environment usingClang/LLVM,QEMU, andVS Code.Then, step by step, you’ll design and implement every layer of a real operating system ,

frombare-metal boot codeto afully working shell.

This course is designed to make low-level programming approachable. You will learn the boot process, linker scripts, and how to write kernel code in C and assembly. Along the way, we will implement UART communication, interrupts, and essential drivers. By following along, you will gain both the theory and the practical experience needed to truly understand how an operating system works under the hood.

No prior OS or hardware experience is required. With only basic C knowledge, you can follow step by step and end up with a working RISC-V 64-bit operating system of your own.

By the end ofPart 1, you will have built:

A64-bit RISC-V microkernelthat boots and runs on QEMU

UART communicationfor console input/output

A workingschedulerandprocess managementsystem

Core system calls likefork(), exec(), wait(), and exit()

Memory managementand acustom heap allocator

A functioninguserland shellthat runs commands such asls, ps, mem, date,and echo

Acomplete argument-passing systembetween kernel and user space

Debugging and memory tracking toolsto detect and clean up leaks

The skills and confidence to explore advanced OS concepts

Advanced Logging System

What Makes This Course Unique :

Unlike theoretical OS courses, this one is100% hands-on.

You won’t just read about concepts — you’llbuild them yourself.

Every module starts with clear explanations, then moves into real C and assembly code,

fully explained and tested live. Each function is described in detail.

We designed Novix OS to be minimal yet powerful — a platform for true understanding.

By the time you reach the final chapter, you’ll not only have a working shell, but you’ll understandwhyit works.

Looking Ahead :

This course is just the beginning.

InPart 2, we’ll extend Novix OS with real servers — afile server,network stack, andwindowing system, plusadvanced IPC and scheduling.

Your journey from kernel to complete operating environment starts here.

© NovixManiac —The Art of Operating Systems Development

“We don’t just teach operating systems.We teachhow to think like one.”

Who this course is for:
- Beginners who want to learn how an operating system works by building one
- Students of computer science curious about low-level programming
- Hobbyists and makers interested in RISC-V and open-source development
- Developers looking to strengthen their systems programming skills
- Anyone who wants practical, hands-on OS development experience
- Educators who want structured material for teaching OS fundamentals
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