HarixOS: An Open Source Linux-Style Real Operating System for ESP8266

[Haris16-code]

HarixOS – A Linux-Style CLI Operating System for ESP8266

HarixOS is a real, CLI-based open source operating system designed specifically for microcontrollers, starting with the ESP8266 family. Unlike typical firmware projects or simple IoT scripts, HarixOS introduces a structured operating system experience on constrained hardware—complete with a shell, filesystem, scripting engine, and safe hardware API layer.

This project transforms the ESP8266 from a basic WiFi module into a fully interactive embedded computer accessible through a serial terminal.

The Story Behind HarixOS

Most ESP8266 projects follow a simple pattern: connect sensors, blink LEDs, send data to the cloud. But as projects grow, managing logic becomes messy, unsafe, and unscalable.

HarixOS was built to solve this problem.

Instead of writing scattered firmware logic, HarixOS introduces a central operating system layer where everything is controlled through commands—just like Linux systems, but designed for microcontrollers.

The goal was simple:

“What if ESP8266 could feel like a real computer, not just a WiFi chip?”

That idea evolved into HarixOS—a modular OS with a command-line shell, safe API architecture, and a script engine for automation.

Screenshots








And much more amazing commands!

Key Principles

HarixOS is built around three core principles:

• Simplicity through CLI – Everything is accessible via commands
• Safety by design – Apps never touch hardware directly
• Extensibility first – New boards and features can be added easily

Core Features

• Interactive CLI shell (HarixOS>)
• Linux-like filesystem (LittleFS support)
• GPIO control via safe API layer
• WiFi management (scan, connect, status)
• .hx scripting engine for automation
• Background task scheduler
• HTTP file downloader (pull command)
• Built-in calculator
• Notepad CLI editor
• System tools (info, heap, reboot, adc)
• HTTP server for file sharing
• Modular API architecture (GPIO, WiFi, FS, System)

Architecture Overview

Code: Select all

CLI / .hx Scripts
      ↓
HarixOS API Layer (Safe & Structured)
      ↓
ESP8266 Hardware (GPIO, WiFi, ADC, FS)

This design ensures:

• No unsafe direct hardware access
• Controlled system behavior
• Stable execution even under heavy scripting

Script Engine (.hx)

HarixOS includes a lightweight scripting system for automation:

Code: Select all

gpio 2 mode output
gpio 2 on
delay 500
gpio 2 off
delay 500

Getting Started with HarixOS

Prerequisites:

• ESP8266 Flasher Tool (if using precompiled)
• PlatformIO (if building from source)
• USB-to-serial adapter or development board
• Any ESP8266-family board (ESP-01, NodeMCU, D1 mini, etc.)

Precompiled Binaries

Download prebuilt latest .bin files on the Release Page.

Directly flash binary:

Code: Select all

esptool.py --port COM3 write_flash 0x00000 firmware.bin

Note: Make sure the binary matches your board (esp01 / nodemcu / d1 mini).

Common Commands

• help — list available commands
• info — system and Wi-Fi summary
• ls — check filesystem
• notepad /myfile.txt — edit and save text files
• wifi scan — scan nearby networks
• run /scripts/myapp.hx — execute a .hx script

Project Links

GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Haris16-code/HarixOS
HarixOS Community: https://harixos.harislab.tech
Support the Project: https://harislab.gumroad.com/l/wsxmy?wanted=true

Future Vision

• ESP32 support
• Plugin system for apps
• OTA updates
• GUI layer (optional future module)

If You Like HarixOS, Leave A Star At Github!