COSMIC, originally an acronym for Computer Operating System Main Interface Components is an alpha free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.[2][3]
![]() The first alpha release showcasing various apps | |
Original author(s) | System76 |
---|---|
Developer(s) | System76 |
Repository | github |
Written in | Rust |
Operating system | Unix |
Platform | Wayland |
Type | Desktop environment |
License | GPL-3.0-or-later[1] |
Website | system76![]() |
COSMIC was originally the name of a modified version of GNOME made for Pop!_OS. It is now a standalone desktop environment built from scratch.[4][5]
History
editSystem76 stated in 2021 that it would be creating a new desktop environment not based on any existing desktop environment. This desktop environment would be written in Rust and developed to be similar to GNOME. System76 cites limitations with GNOME extensions, as well as disagreements with GNOME developers on the desktop experience as reasons to build a new desktop environment.[6]
The first alpha release, branded as "Epoch," released on August 8, 2024.[4]
Features
editCOSMIC is made from scratch and is not based on any existing desktop environment.[4] It features a custom theming system, streamlined window tiling, and its own applications (a text editor, a terminal emulator, a file manager, a settings application, and an app store).[7]
COSMIC Edit
editCOSMIC Edit is the built-in text editor. It supports bidirectional text, ligatures, emoji, and more. It also has programming-oriented features such as line highlighting and Git integration.[2]
COSMIC Terminal
editCOSMIC Terminal is the built-in terminal emulator. It was built using the Alacritty framework and a custom renderer. It supports bidirectional text, theming, and GPU rendering. It also includes a feature that allows users to divide a terminal window into multiple areas.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Cosmic/LICENSE at master_jammy · pop-os/Cosmic". GitHub.
- ^ a b c Rudra, Sourav (2024-04-30). "All About the Upcoming Pop!_OS COSMIC Desktop". It's FOSS News. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Larabel, Michael (2024-01-11). "System76's COSMIC Desktop Working Toward Its Alpha Release". Phoronix. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ a b c Purdy, Kevin (2024-08-08). "You can kick the alpha tires on System76's Cosmic, a new Linux desktop". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Nestor, Marius (2024-08-08). "System76 Launches Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS with COSMIC Alpha Desktop Environment". 9to5Linux. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Sneddon, Joey (2021-11-09). "Don't Miss: System76 is Building its Own Desktop Environment". OMG Ubuntu. OHSO Media. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ Dawe, Liam (2024-08-08). "System76 desktop environment COSMIC alpha now available to try". GamingOnLinux. Archived from the original on 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2024-08-17.