Show HN: SamwiseOS – A web-based, AI-first OS with a Python kernel in Pyodide

Hacker News - AI
Aug 18, 2025 03:57
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Summary

SamwiseOS is a web-based, AI-first operating system that runs entirely in the browser, featuring a Python kernel powered by Pyodide for core logic and a JavaScript frontend for UI management. It offers a persistent virtual filesystem, user/group management, and graphical apps, aiming to reimagine OS design around AI integration. This project demonstrates the potential for AI-driven, browser-native operating systems, highlighting new possibilities for accessible, flexible computing environments in the AI field.

For the past few months, I've poured all my energy into building something I'm incredibly passionate about: SamwiseOS, a completely in-browser, AI-first operating system. What is it? SamwiseOS is a persistent, single-page web app that looks and feels like a real operating system, complete with a terminal, a robust virtual filesystem (that saves to your browser's IndexedDB), user/group management, and even graphical applications. The twist? The entire core logic—filesystem, command execution, user management, everything—runs on a Python kernel powered by Pyodide (WebAssembly). The JS frontend acts as a "Stage Manager," handling the UI, sound, and other browser APIs, while the Python kernel is the single source of truth. They talk to each other through a simple effect contract, which is a fancy way of saying they're best friends who communicate really, really well. Why did I build this? I wanted to explore what a truly AI-first OS would feel like. Instead of just a command line, you can