Redefining Development with SemiCode OS

 

In the realm of programming tools for Linux, there’s an abundant variety, but when it comes to distributions tailored specifically for programming, the options become noticeably more limited. This is partly because nearly any Linux distribution can be tweaked with a bit of effort to become a programmer’s haven. Yet, the prospect of having a distribution readily available without the need for additional modifications is undoubtedly appealing. This is exactly where SemiCode OS steps in – a platform meticulously designed to cater to the needs of developers.

SemicodeOS in a definitive beta phase

Before you rush to visit the SemiCode OS website, it’s important to note that the platform is currently undergoing intensive development. To be exact, the distribution is so fresh that it lacks the capability for installation. Surprisingly, SemiCode OS can only be operated as a live distribution. Despite your efforts to explore the SemiCode OS live desktop, you won’t come across any installation options. If you’re keen on exploring this highly prospective platform, I recommend downloading the beta version and running it within a virtual machine. To understand why an installer isn’t available yet, I suggest reading the SemiCode OS blog post on the topic.

The minimum requirements for running SemiCode OS as a live instance are:

• CPU – 1GHz single core
• RAM – 1.5GB
• Storage – 20GB

SemiCode OS is built upon, as expected, Ubuntu. What’s unexpected, however, is that SemiCode relies on Ubuntu 14.04 as its foundation. Given that 16.04 is a Long Term Support (LTS) release, one might assume that the latest version would be the preferred choice. Yet, the decision to stick with the older 14.04 release is not mine to make, and I’m sure there are valid reasons behind this choice.

Now, let’s delve into the unique aspects that set this OS apart. Specifically, I’ll highlight the incorporation of two distinctive tools.

Scratch

Are you not a coder but eager to learn? That’s precisely why SemiCode OS comes with the Scratch application. Scratch provides an enjoyable approach for newcomers to delve into programming and master the art. While it’s designed with a focus on younger users, the user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for anyone, regardless of age, to grasp the fundamentals of programming.

Scratch offers a delightful and uncomplicated way for users of all levels to enjoy learning the art of coding.

Sarah

While many applications in SemiCode OS are familiar and commonly used across various distributions, there’s one remarkable addition that stands out – Sarah. This innovative command-line AI tool has the potential to become a valuable resource beyond the realm of SemiCode OS. Sarah enables users to pose questions and receive responses. From everyday inquiries (e.g., “sarah what is linux?”) to conducting speed tests (“sarah speedtest”), checking the weather (“sarah weather”), retrieving movie information (“sarah watch Hackers”), displaying song lyrics (“sarah lyrics DevinTownsendProject Kingdom”), downloading files (“sarah download http://link_to_file”), grabbing websites for offline viewing (“sarah grab http://link_to_download”), to generating a “Hello World” application in various programming languages (“sudo sarah first python”), Sarah’s capabilities offer an exciting and versatile experience.

Initially developed in Python, Sarah’s creators recognized the need for future expansion, prompting them to transition to the Vala language. This switch allowed for the incorporation of a plugin system into Sarah. With this enhancement, developers can now contribute to extending Sarah’s capabilities.

As part of the entire SemiCode OS package, Sarah is currently in beta and some functionalities may not work as intended. Despite this, the core concept is solid, and it’s reasonable to assume that as SemiCode OS matures beyond beta, Sarah will likely offer a more comprehensive range of features.

For those interested in exploring Sarah beyond the confines of SemiCode OS, the source code is available on the Sarah GitHub Page, offering an avenue for further testing and potential contributions.

SemiCode OS: A Promising Prospect

When envisioning the trajectory of SemiCode OS, optimism is certainly in order. The Linux ecosystem has been in need of a distribution precisely like SemiCode OS, and the introduction of Sarah elevates its appeal further. Despite being in its beta phase, SemiCode OS showcases its potential and merits your attention. A trial run of the live instance of this emerging platform will immediately captivate you with its array of tools, the well-designed GNOME layout, and the innovative inclusion of Sarah.

Anticipation is high for the eventual full release and installation availability of SemiCode OS. As this promising system gains maturity, let’s hope that Sarah witnesses robust plugin development. This could potentially fill a crucial void within the Linux realm, making SemiCode OS a noteworthy addition to the community’s toolkit.

References:

1. SemiCode OS. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://semicodeos.com/
2. Ubuntu. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(operating_system)
3. Scratch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scratch.mit.edu/
4. Vala Programming Language. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wiki.gnome.org/Projects/Vala
5. Sarah GitHub Page. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://github.com/daliansky/SARAH
6. Vala Programming Language. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wiki.gnome.org/Projects/Vala