TeenyLinux
This project is a work in progress. Visit our GitHub for the latest build scripts.
If you're looking for a more automated solution to build Linux for various targets with tools like BusyBox, consider checking out Buildroot.
For those who want to dive deeper into Linux or have full control over compiling a custom Linux build, take a look at Linux From Scratch.
Your looking for a "usable" distro, with a graphical interface and possibly runs on your old laptop/desktop? You might have been looking for Tiny Core Linux
Still here? Great! If you're looking to run a small, minimal, and experimental Linux system and want to tinker with my code, you can either clone the repository mentioned above or download a prebuilt file below.
To boot the CD, use the following command:
qemu-system-x86_64 -m 2G -cdrom boot-x86_64.iso
For additional commands and tools, refer to the README.
Note: All code and scripts in this project are licensed under the GPLv2 or later.
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Jan 12, 2026 - 1.0.0
This release is based on kernel 6.18.5. Two architectures available: x86_64 and i686.
Older downloads
Dec 21, 2023 - 0.2.0
This release is based on kernel 6.6.8. This version is close to the intended end goal of the project. While the builds themselves are considered ready within the scope of this project, the project as a whole should not yet be considered production ready. Review the source code carefully before any production use.
Mar 13, 2021 - 0.1.0
Early release containing a working kernel, initramfs and optional boot ISO, generated by the build scripts. The initramfs includes all optional packages. Features include a musl native compiler set, a demo kernel module ("hello"), and Dropbear without pre-generated keys. Only x86_64 is supported.
About
This project began as a personal project by me, Nico (also known as CodeAsm), to create a minimal Linux system for experimentation within QEMU. Inspired by Mitchel Allen Humpherys' work and blog posts (2012, 2015, and the 2021 Docker image), I started experimenting with building a lightweight Linux system. Over time, this evolved into what is now known as TeenyLinux.
Initially, TeenyLinux was just a simple script, but it has since grown into a suite of tools designed to build compact Linux systems that can, in theory, run on multiple architectures and accommodate various memory constraints.
This is a free-time project, and I currently maintain it as the primary contributor:
Nico Vijlbrief - www.codeasm.com
Copyright © 2018-2026 Nico Vijlbrief (CodeAsm), Some rights reserved.
The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from LMI, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a world-wide basis.