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The world of technology is constantly evolving, with open-source projects playing a crucial role in driving innovation and collaboration. One project that has its roots intertwined with the history of Apple is PureDarwin, an open-source operating system based on the Darwin core. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating connections between NeXT, NeXTSTEP, Darwin, macOS X, and PureDarwin, revealing how these interconnected technologies have shaped the development of modern operating systems.

NeXT and NeXTSTEP: The Starting Point

NeXT Inc., founded by Steve Jobs in 1985 after he left Apple, created the NeXT Computer and NeXTcube, both of which ran on the NeXTSTEP operating system. NeXTSTEP was an advanced, Unix-based, object-oriented OS with a unique graphical user interface (GUI). In December 1996, Apple acquired NeXT, bringing Steve Jobs back to the company and setting the stage for the development of a new operating system that would combine the strengths of NeXTSTEP and the classic Macintosh operating system.

macOS (formerly Mac OS X): The Birth of a New OS

Following the acquisition of NeXT, Apple began working on a new operating system, Mac OS X (later renamed macOS), which built upon the Unix-based core derived from NeXTSTEP. Mac OS X featured an entirely new GUI called Aqua and aimed to combine the power of Unix with the user-friendliness of the Macintosh platform. Over time, macOS has become a defining product for Apple, powering its range of Mac computers.

Darwin: The Core Foundation

Darwin is the open-source, Unix-based operating system core that underpins both macOS and iOS. Developed by Apple, Darwin draws from NeXTSTEP and the open-source BSD Unix operating system. It provides the foundational elements for macOS, such as its kernel, file system, and networking components, while the proprietary elements like the GUI and applications are built on top of it.

OpenDarwin: An Early Attempt at an Open-Source OS

OpenDarwin was an early community-driven project that aimed to create an open-source version of the Darwin operating system. Launched in 2002, OpenDarwin was an attempt to make the Darwin core more accessible to the developer community. However, the project faced various challenges and eventually shut down in 2006.

PureDarwin: The Community-Driven Evolution

PureDarwin emerged as a successor to OpenDarwin, with the goal of creating a fully functional, modular, and open-source operating system based on the Darwin core. The project aims to provide a more accessible and community-driven alternative to macOS, while still benefiting from the power and flexibility of the Darwin core. Some key features of PureDarwin include its modular architecture, compatibility with macOS software, active community support, and extensive documentation.

The history of PureDarwin is a fascinating journey through the evolution of operating systems, from the early days of NeXT and NeXTSTEP to the development of macOS and its underlying Darwin core. PureDarwin continues this legacy by providing a community-driven, open-source operating system that harnesses the power of Darwin while fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Whether you are a developer looking to contribute to an exciting project or a user seeking a reliable and customizable alternative to proprietary operating systems, PureDarwin is a project worth exploring.

Further reading: https://www.puredarwin.org/ https://github.com/PureDarwin/PureDarwin/wiki