KilneOS

For developers

Build apps for Kilne with the web.

Make a web app, add a short file that describes it, and install it with one command. It appears in the launcher and opens in its own window.

terminal
$ kilne install ./notes
Notes 1.0.0 (dev.example.notes)
  from: ./notes (a file on this computer)
  new app
  asks for:
    host.fs
Install? [y/N] y
installed Notes 1.0.0
$ kilne list
dev.example.notes	1.0.0	Notes
Illustrative

How it works

  1. 1

    Build a web app

    Use any web stack that produces a static folder with an index.html.

  2. 2

    Add a manifest

    A short file with the app’s name, version and the capabilities it needs.

  3. 3

    Install it

    Run kilne install ./my-app. Kilne shows what the app asks for and waits for you to confirm.

  4. 4

    Open it

    The app appears in the launcher and opens in its own window.

Where to go next

Packaging an app

Bundle, manifest and install, step by step.

The kilne command

Every command and option.

The Store

Sources, catalogs and the review screen.

Architecture

How the pieces fit.

Permissions

When you install, Kilne shows the app’s name, where it comes from, and the capabilities it asks for. The Store puts those in plain English. If an app asks for more than the screen showed, the install is refused.

Build Kilne OS from source

On a Debian 13 machine, a setup script installs the toolchain, then build scripts produce the shell, the apps, the packages and the ISO. The proprietary runtime is downloaded as a prebuilt binary during the build, and you use it under its license.

The source repository opens at launch.