What Language Are Operating Systems Written in?
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C is the programming language most commonly used and recommended for writing operating systems. For this reason, we are going to recommend learning and using C for OS development. However, other languages such as C++ and Python can also be used.

What are operating systems written in?

Most operating systems like Windows, iOS, Linux, Ubuntu and Android are written using a combination of C and C++. Windows uses a kernel written in C, with applications in C++. Android also uses some Java for application framework, along with C and C++. But in general, C and C++ are the main languages.

What language is Windows written?

Microsoft’s Windows kernel is developed mostly in C, with some parts in assembly language. For decades, the world’s most used operating system, with about 90 percent of the market share, has been powered by a kernel written in C.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

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