A fully functional, browser-based retro operating system and 8-bit game engine built entirely in vanilla web technologies.
Designed to seamlessly bridge desktop keyboard input and mobile touchscreen interfaces, it boots directly into a classic CRT terminal environment.
The Proprietary Virtual File System (VFS)
DiskOS manages an internal file structure using HTML5 LocalStorage, driven by custom file extensions:
- .diskCODE: The core programming language. A custom BASIC-style syntax that handles logic (IF/THEN, GOTO), memory manipulation (PEEK/POKE), variables, audio synthesis (BEEP/PLAY), and drawing to a 64x32 grid.
- .diskGUI: A hybrid CSS-injector and menu generator. It allows raw scripts to instantly alter global OS colors, typography, CRT scanlines, and generate interactive menus.
- .diskPAD: A mobile controller compiler. Scripts can spawn custom on-screen Gamepads that automatically map to keyboard logic.
- .diskROM: The “Cartridge” format. A master file that packages code, themes, and gamepads together, allowing users to EXPORT to a physical file and IMPORT via drag-and-drop.
- .diskDIR: Virtual directory sandboxing to keep projects organized in memory.
Core Technical Architecture
- Renderer: Custom 60FPS Canvas API render loop drawing a rigid 64x32 cell grid.
- Audio: Native Web Audio API implementation for synthesizing square-wave frequencies and raw musical notes.
- Mobile Tech: Employs a hidden “Ghost Textarea” script to hijack native mobile keyboards, allowing true command-line typing on iOS and Android without breaking the canvas viewport.