What is this?
This page boots a real Linux kernel — Alpine Linux — directly in your browser. There is no remote server involved. The entire operating system runs on your machine through x86 CPU emulation implemented in WebAssembly.
The environment comes pre-loaded with developer tools: Python 3, GCC, Make, Git, Nano, Bash, and curl. You can write and compile C programs, run Python scripts, or just practice Linux commands — all without leaving your browser tab.
Alpine Linux was chosen for its minimal footprint. The 32-bit i386 variant paired with the virt kernel keeps the download size small and boot times reasonable for an emulated environment.
How it works
v86 is an x86 CPU emulator written in JavaScript and WebAssembly. It emulates enough of the x86 instruction set and hardware (VGA, keyboard, disk controllers) to boot real operating systems. The Linux kernel sees what looks like real hardware and boots normally.
The filesystem uses the 9p protocol — files are fetched on-demand over HTTP rather than loading a single large disk image. This means initial page load is fast: only the kernel, initramfs, and accessed files are downloaded. Content is stored as content-addressed flat files for efficient caching.
Use cases
- Learning Linux commands in a safe, disposable environment
- Testing shell scripts without touching your local system
- Teaching — give students instant terminal access with zero setup
- Quick access to a Linux terminal from any machine with a browser
- Experimenting with C compilation, Python scripting, or system tools
FAQ
Is this a real Linux?
Yes. This boots a real Alpine Linux kernel using x86 CPU emulation. It runs the same kernel and userland you'd get on a physical machine.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything resets when you reload the page. The filesystem exists only in memory during your session.
Does it need internet access?
Only for the initial page load. Once the kernel and filesystem are loaded, everything runs locally in your browser.
Can I install packages?
Yes, you can use apk add to install packages from Alpine Linux repositories, as long as you have network connectivity.
Is it free?
Yes. This project is open source and free to use.