How to create a new Linux Distro (just for learning purpose, not to actually create a new one))
 

Hi all,
I have been using Linux for over 15 years but have never been on the development side. I am planning to learn something on that side of things now and planning to create a new distro as part of learning. Nothing much new but basically something based on a existing solid distribution. Like how Ubuntu is based on Debian and EndeavourOS based on Arch. Basically just want to choose few things like based on Arch, using KDE, using calamares installer etc.
I know it might be a long task depending on how much I want to customize, but what I am looking from you all is reference to any article/book/video/person who has done it before. Basically I am requesting you to point me in the right direction.
I know that some distro providers also give option to customize their OS like Suse studio and I think Ubuntu also has something like that, but I am not looking for that. I am looking a bit more than that.

Thank you in advance for reading my post and any help if you can provide.

Thanks
Nikhilesh

In general it should go in the other direction: if you have something to distribute you can make your own setup to publish it. Otherwise [obviously] creating a distro always depends on the base OS and the goal you want to reach. In most cases maintaining a distro requires a lot of effort. Creating a single release isn't all you need to think about.
From the other hand customizing a distro is usually just a package, or a tool, there is no need to create a new distro.

If me. I'd look for a core iso and build up on that.

Like Debian Net. OpenSuse 15 Leap net iso. AntiX 23 core iso. Slacware scripts. Lots of choices.

Even Lilidog gives you tools to build your own build.

I think Ubuntu dropped the core iso release cycle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gddlhr9ST9Y

https://mike632t.wordpress.com/2022/...use-leap-15-4/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atDsh3T_jeo

I would not recommend Lilidog for building off of. The creator is often changing things (such as scripts, etc.) that often presents issues in getting a reliable build. Also Lilidog forum which is maintained by the creator of Lilidog often exhibits issues itself. I would instead go with an Antix, Debian or Arch related distro to build off of instead a new to world distro with possible iffy results. I can attest to the above info as I installed/ran default and custom builds off of Lilidog for about 1 1/2 years and was not satisfied with the results I got. YMMV.

You mean like //www.linuxfromscratch.org ?

Thanks for your reply. Like I said, the aim is not to create a new distro but to learn how they are made and how they work. Basically how is everything stitched together.
Like you said "customizing a distro is usually just a package, or a tool" thats what i am also thinking. There should probably a script or a tool.

Thats exactly what I want to do, like how Ubuntu is developed on Debian and EndeavourOS is based on Arch.
There are so many small Linux distros out there, many are maintained by a single person or may be couple of people.
I understand the amount of work is directly proportional to the amount of customization you want to do, and so a minimally customized distro should not be a very big task.
I don't have much background of programming side of Linux and I am going to do it on my own, so I am fine spending even a year or more on my weekends if that's what it takes.
I personally like EndeavourOS (I have been a distro hopper my whole life till I came to EndeavourOS and have stick to it for last 2 years or so).
I believe there will be a way to take base Arch, stick a GUI installer to it, put KDE or Gnome, customize some theming, choose some default softwares etc. and there should be a tutorial or article for same, but have not found anything till now.

Check out Tiny Core Linux, very small size, but works remarkably well. ;)

http://tinycorelinux.net/
http://tinycorelinux.net/book.html

Yes and No, I am aware of linuxfromscratch and have tried following also but,
1. Very frankly I have not put enough time on this.
2. I followed this video "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXA0GNTLf_Q" but it was just doing things and not really explaining much. I think I need a little more learning.
3. I have not went through the book.
4. I felt like its not starting from any existing distribution and instead literally starting from scratch, which I felt like a bit too much for me.
5. I thought its a little too minimal, but now when i went to the link I can see that there is a Beyond Linux from Scratch as well which means i can do more than just core linux.

Overall I will give it a try again, but yes I am looking for things like this.

Thanks again for your suggestion.

Thanks

This is very much inline with what I am looking for. Not sure if it was updated recently or if the project is active but its useful for me for sure.
Many thanks for the information.

Thanks

They have just released a new version 15. :)

That is exactly the way. If they think there is something new that should be distributed as a new thing, they create a new distro. Exactly this happened with all the distros.
The next step is to find a base distro, learn how does it work and what should be modified, how can be the novelty being integrated into it.
When you ask "how is everything stitched together", the answer is obviously different in every cases, there is no common way for that.

For example ubuntu (or mint) created their own repos with their own packages, life cycle management system, special tools...
None of them started with any of the suggested distros.

Here's my uniquely personal views on this:
I'm glad you're using this to learn how distros really work (& not to create another one!)

My simplistic view of what a distro is:
The kernel and packages, custom configured.

Virtualbox is my favorite environment to play in.

My 'dream goal' (which I don't have the diligence nor knowledge to currently do)
Is to create the most minimal kernel .config for simple vbox VM.
Collaboration is facilitated because everyone has the same 'PC'!

And I simplify things by using just one package, without choosing package management:
BusyBox which can also be customized a bit.
Start with the distro that I love playing with: mll

My next step would be:
A repository of static binaries, which could be installed by a simple wget of the binary.
This does not address the whole GUI world

An Arch based distro that would be a good learning experience to build off of would be ArchBang. WM is openbox and it is a very minimal distro to add and customize to your liking. I have it multibooted on several of my laptops and use it regularly with no issues so far.

https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=archbang

https://archbang.org/

https://archbang.org/download/

https://sourceforge.net/projects/arc...iles/ArchBang/