| Author: | System76 |
| Developer: | System76 |
| Programming Language: | Rust |
| Operating System: | Unix, Unix-like |
| Platform: | Wayland |
| Genre: | Desktop environment |
| License: | GPL-3.0-or-later[1] |
COSMIC, an acronym for Computer Operating System Main Interface Components, is a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.[2] [3]
COSMIC was originally the name of a modified version of GNOME made specifically for Pop!_OS. It is now a standalone desktop environment built from scratch.[4] [5]
See main article: articles. System76 stated in 2021 that it would be creating a new desktop environment that is not based on any existing desktop environment. This desktop environment would be written in Rust and developed to be similar to GNOME. System76 cites limitations with GNOME extensions, as well as disagreements with GNOME developers on the desktop experience, as reasons to build a new desktop environment.[6]
The first alpha release, branded as "Epoch," released on August 8, 2024.
The second Epoch alpha released on September 24, 2024.[7] It added more pages to the settings application which was unfinished in the first alpha, as well as several more features for the file manager.[8]
The third alpha released on October 31, 2024. This release introduced multiple connectivity features, including the ability to connect to wireless networks and Bluetooth devices from the built-in COSMIC Settings application.[9]
COSMIC is made from scratch and is not based on any existing desktop environment. It features a custom theming system, utilizes the Rust-based iced graphics toolkit, streamlined window tiling, and its own applications (a text editor, a terminal emulator, a file manager, a settings application, and an app store).[10]
COSMIC Edit is the built-in text editor. It supports bidirectional text, ligatures, emoji, and more. It also has programming-oriented features such as line highlighting and Git integration.
COSMIC Terminal is the built-in terminal emulator. It was built using the Alacritty framework and a custom renderer. It supports bidirectional text, theming, and GPU rendering. Furthermore, it also includes a feature that allows users to divide a terminal window into multiple areas.
COSMIC Files is the built-in file manager. It includes standard file manager functionality as well as keyboard shortcuts, built-in file archiving functions, and a file preview feature.