Pulling Linux up by its bootstraps

The live-bootstrap project, initiated in 2020 by Samuel Tyler and supported by a team of contributors, aims to automate the complete bootstrapping of a modern Linux system without relying on an existing kernel. In 2023, the Guix project had already reduced its binary bootstrap seed to 357 bytes, but live-bootstrap has eliminated the need for an existing kernel entirely. The project utilizes various software components, including stage0-posix and GNU Mes, to build a usable system from human-auditable source code. The bootstrapping process is automated and can be executed in different environments, such as chroot, virtual machines, or bare metal. The initial step involves cloning the project's Git repository or downloading a release tarball. The process begins with the Builder-Hex0 kernel, a minimal 32-bit kernel designed for verification and capable of running shell scripts for the build. The system builds progressively, starting with basic tools and culminating in a minimal Linux user space with modern software like GCC and Python. The significance of bootstrappable builds lies in enhancing user confidence in binary packages and ensuring the longevity of software ecosystems by providing a self-contained chain of software that can be built from a small seed. This approach addresses concerns about software becoming unbuildable over time, thereby supporting the sustainability of open-source projects.