A2osX is an operating, programming and execution environment for the 128K Enhanced Apple //e and Apple //gs series of computers. While layered atop of ProDOS, taking advantage of all ProDOS block devices and MLI calls; A2osX is much more than an application or command shell. Written in 65C02 assembly for speed of execution and efficient memory management; A2osX is a multitasking and yes multiuser development environment bringing many of today's server operating system features to our venerable vintage 8-bit systems.
The foundation of A2osX enabling its multiuser multitasking capabilities is a reusable set of APIs and LIBs (written in Assembly) that all programs can and do use which make them very lean and fast. For instance, there is one network API that any program can call which in turn handles the I/O to different brand LAN cards via a set of drivers. Key here is that multiple programs can be using the network at the same time such as the TELNETD server and the TELNET client. One of the key benefits is code for doing each program is smaller because the network API is doing a great deal of the work. With CORE APIs like printf and LIBs such as Network only loaded once (much like a DLL in Windows) memory is conserved, providing more resources to support your A2osX programs.
See the **[documentation](#documentation)** section below to find the other resources available for learning how to install, use, develop and test A2osX.
Major updates have occured to the kernel and many of the APIs to support an enhanced shell with support of many new scripting capabilities, the ability to redirect and eventually piping output. Current kernel also supports multiple virtual terminals as well as TCP (via TELNETD) and serial (SSC driver) terminals.
Much work being done to expand and enhance the documentation for A2osX. Some of this documentations are still in the rough draft stage but are being provided to bring you as much information about A2osX as soon as possible. We happily welcome any help and contributions from others to this or any area of the A2osX project.
