At the core of Orbit OS is a simple idea:

Everything runs as an application.

These applications are packaged using the .orb format — the standard way to build, distribute, and run software on Orbit OS devices.


What is an .orb?

An .orb file is a self-contained application package.

It includes everything needed to run:

• Application code (Go, Python, Java, C++, etc.)
  
• Configuration
  
• Permissions
  
• Metadata (name, version, dependencies)
  

• Manual deployments
  
• Inconsistent environments
  
• Difficult updates
  
• Limited isolation
  

• Install apps in a consistent way
  
• Update them safely
  
• Run them in isolation
  
• Manage them remotely
  

• Build your application using the Orbit OS SDK
  
• Package it into an .orb file
  
• Install/Update it on device
  

• Execution
  
• Restart on failure
  
• Resource access
  
• Security enforcement
  

• Control Peripherals, GPIO, I²C, UART, PWM etc.
  
• Configure network, time etc.
  
• Communicate over network protocols
  
• Process data locally (including AI models)
  
• Integrate with external services
  

• Defined permissions
  
• No direct system access unless allowed
  
• Secure communication between components
  

• Application distribution
  
• Remote deployment
  
• Version control
  
• Device-level orchestration
  

Orbit OS was created to solve a problem that many developers quietly accept:

Building for embedded Linux is harder than it should be.

Fragmented tools, complex setups, and the lack of a unified ecosystem slow down innovation.
Developers end up spending more time managing systems than building real products.

- Our Motivation

OrbitOS exists to remove that friction.
We want developers to:

• Build and deploy applications with consistency across devices
  
• Use modern tools without unnecessary complexity
  
• Integrate AI and advanced features directly on edge devices
  
• Focus on creating value instead of fighting infrastructure
  

• Our goal is to create the missing ecosystem for Embedded Linux
  
• A platform where:
  
• Applications are easy to develop, distribute, and run
  
• Devices are manageable at scale
  
• The App Store model works for embedded systems
  
• Developers can move fast and iterate quickly
  

• Orbit OS is not just another Linux distribution.
  
• It is a complete ecosystem designed around:
  
• Application-centric architecture
  
• Built-in distribution and deployment model
  
• Isolation and security by design
  
• Seamless integration between services and devices
  

• Embedded systems power the world — from IoT to industrial infrastructure — but the developer experience hasn’t kept up.
  
• Orbit OS aims to change that.
  

• This is just the beginning.
  
• Whether you're building apps, experimenting with hardware, or exploring new ideas, you are part of this ecosystem.
  

Welcome to the Orbit OS Community Forum!

Before getting started, please take a moment to read these simple rules and guidelines to help keep the community helpful and friendly for everyone.

Forum Rules

• Be respectful to all members. No harassment, hate speech, or toxic behavior.
  
• Stay on topic and post in the appropriate forum section.
  
• Do not spam, advertise, or promote unrelated content.
  
• Avoid duplicate posts — search before creating a new topic.
  
• Do not share illegal content or sensitive information.
  

• Introduce yourself in the Member Introductions forum.
  
• Check Official Announcements for the latest updates.
  
• Use the correct section when asking questions (Development, Hardware, etc.).
  
• When asking for help, include as much detail as possible (logs, device, setup).
  

• Clearly describe your issue or idea.
  
• Include relevant details (board, version, logs, steps to reproduce).
  
• Be patient — the community will help you.
  

Hello and welcome to the official Orbit OS Community Forum!

We’re excited to have you here, whether you’re a developer, maker, or just curious about Orbit OS. This forum is your central place for updates, announcements, and news related to Orbit OS.

What you can do here:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest Orbit OS releases and features.
  
• Learn about new SDKs, tools, and developer resources.
  
• Connect with other members of the community, share projects, and ask questions.
  
• Get official news directly from the Orbit OS team.
  

• Be respectful and follow the rules outlined in the “Rules & Quick Start” forum.
  
• Keep discussions on-topic within each forum.
  
• Use proper threads for feedback, questions, and suggestions.