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smolBSD

smolBSD is a meta-operating system built on top of NetBSD. It lets you compose your own UNIX environment — from a single-purpose microservice system to a fully-custom OS image — in just a few minutes.

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  • Mac
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • BSD
  • QEMU
  • FreeBSD
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  •  711 Stars
  •  54 Forks
  •  5 Open Issues
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What is smolBSD?

smolBSD is a meta-operating system built on top of NetBSD. It lets you compose your own UNIX environment — from a single-purpose microservice system to a fully-custom OS image — in just a few minutes.

The smolBSD environment uses the netbsd-MICROVM kernel as its foundation, leveraging the same portable, reliable codebase that powers NetBSD itself. You decide what to include — sshd, httpd, or your own service — and smolBSD builds a coherent, minimal, bootable image ready to run anywhere.

Why smolBSD?

Build BSD systems like you build software — fast, reproducible, and minimal.

  • Composable: Pick only the components you need — from kernel to services.
  • Reproducible: Every build is deterministic, portable, and easy to version-control.
  • Instant Boot: Powered by netbsd-MICROVM — boot to service in milliseconds.
  • Universal: Runs anywhere QEMU or Firecracker runs — cloud, CI, edge, or laptop.