NOIR OS

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Kernel (src/kernel.c)

What kernel_main() Does

kernel_main() is the orchestrator of NoirOS runtime behavior.

Startup Sequence

  1. Initialize serial, memory, IDT, input, mouse, and filesystem.
  2. Compute UI layout.
  3. Show boot loader splash.
  4. Draw the main desktop UI.

Main Event Loop

  • Reads keyboard input (read_key()).
  • Handles global browser hotkeys (Tab, c/C, Esc).
  • Routes to module-specific handlers based on current mode:
    • Browser mode -> shell_loop(...)
    • Editor mode -> editor_handle_key(...)
    • Game mode -> snake update/draw + restart/exit handling

Game Timing

  • Snake uses a tick counter (game_timer) and game_speed threshold.
  • Rendering is flushed regularly through VGA backbuffer logic.

Debug Support

  • Optional input debug overlay displays last scancode/key.
  • Debug info is mirrored to serial output for headless troubleshooting.

Mode Model

  • MODE_BROWSER: file browser + command panel access
  • MODE_EDITOR: text editing session
  • MODE_GAME: snake runtime loop

The kernel returns to browser mode on mode exit or Esc paths.

Source: kernel.c on GitHub