GoKawiilSwift-based minimal kernel runs on QEMU for first time
Max Desiatov confirmed that the @c attribute can replace @_cdecl for declaring C functions in Swift, streamlining the process. An experiment was conducted to create a basic Swift kernel that outputs a message via QEMU and then halts, serving as an initial exploration into running Swift without an underlying OS. The project utilizes Embedded Swift, a subset designed for bare-metal environments, but encountered limitations due to the lack of a standard library in the current compiler.
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This development highlights Swift's potential for low-level programming and kernel experimentation, which could influence future embedded or OS development using Swift. It also underscores the ongoing challenges in supporting Embedded Swift in mainstream tools, suggesting that further tooling and standard library support are needed for broader adoption.
- Swift can be used to write simple kernels for QEMU.
- Embedded Swift enables development without a standard library.
- Current limitations require a development toolchain for embedded projects.
Source: carette.xyz, 2026-10-06
Published there as: “A minimal kernel in Swift, running in QEMU”
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