Public Alpha 0.5.0
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2026-06-10

DevelOS 0.5.0 Alpha

This is the first pre-release alpha for DevelOS 0.5.0. This serves as an early preview of the project as it evolves into a more complete Arch-based distribution.

Highlights

  • Calamares graphical installer support while keeping the CLI installer as a fallback.
  • Moved core DevelOS components into local packages, including dwm, dmenu, dwmblocks-async, installer files, live config, and system conf.
  • Added a local DevelOS pacman repository used during ISO builds and installs.
  • Split live ISO packages from installed-system packages so the final install stays cleaner.
  • Added DevelOS branding and release metadata, including os-release.
  • Added Dunst notification support with DevelOS configuration and theming.
  • Updated desktop configuration, wallpapers, audio support, and Neovim defaults.
  • dwm includes awesomebar, full gaps, Dracula-style theming, hidden window controls, and runtime gap controls.
  • dmenu includes fuzzy matching, centered mode, borders, mouse support, and matching theme updates.
  • Improved build and test scripts for package builds, ISO builds, local repo generation, and QEMU boot/install testing.

Installation

The live ISO supports two install paths:

  • Graphical install with Calamares via develos-install-gui.
  • CLI install with sudo develos-install.

Please note that the CLI installer is still a work in progress and currently does not work properly. The Calamares path is the preferred path for normal testing, but it is still maturing.

Alpha Notes

This is an early alpha release intended for testing and feedback. Expect rough edges, especially around hardware compatibility, installer behavior, and real-machine testing. Use a VM or non-critical machine unless you are comfortable debugging an Arch-based install.

Known areas still in progress:

  • More Calamares testing on real hardware and QEMU.
  • WiFi tooling and configuration.
  • Final branding polish.

Download and Verification

The ISO is split into multiple parts because the full image is larger than GitHub's release asset limit.

Download all ISO parts and SHA256SUMS:

  • develos-0.5.0-alpha.1-x86_64.iso.part-aa
  • develos-0.5.0-alpha.1-x86_64.iso.part-ab
  • SHA256SUMS

Recombine the ISO parts:

cat develos-0.5.0-alpha.1-x86_64.iso.part-* > develos-0.5.0-alpha.1-x86_64.iso
# Verify the downloaded files:
sha256sum -c SHA256SUMS

After verification, writedevelos-0.5.0-alpha.1-x86_64.iso to a USB drive using your preferred image writer.