nip/docs/nexus_targets.md

NexusOS Targets

Overview

This document outlines the objectives and technical requirements for NexusOS, a modular and reproducible Linux distribution.

Objectives

• Modularity: Adaptability to various use cases (Core, App, Desktop, systemd).
• Reproducibility: Deterministic builds with verifiable hashes.
• Flexibility: Optional GNU-free configuration for special use cases (e.g., military or security-critical environments).

Runtime Profiles (Examples & Possibilities)

NexusOS employs context-dependent runtime profiles for libc and memory allocators, declaratively managed via .npk files:

Layer	libc	Allocator	Use Case
🧱 Core/Base	musl	internal malloc	Init, Shell, Recovery
🧰 App Layer	musl	jemalloc/tcmalloc	CLI/Server Apps, Multi-threaded Tools
🖥️ Desktop Layer	glibc	glibc malloc	KDE, GTK, Wayland, Graphical Programs
⚙ systemd Layer	glibc	jemalloc (optional)	systemd, journald, logind

Optional: GNU-Free Profiles (Phase 2)

• libc: musl (GNU-free).
• Allocator: tcmalloc (performance-focused, GNU-free).
• Tools: toybox instead of GNU coreutils.
• Goal: Deterministic, minimalistic builds for security-critical applications.

Technical Requirements

• Minimal kernel with KSPP hardening.
• ISO creation using archiso or mkinitcpio.
• nip tool for package management and verification.

Next Steps

• Prototype ISO with archlinux-musl and toybox.
• Development of nip for runtime profile management.