Introduction

Obarun is a unique Linux distribution that diverges from mainstream systems by adopting a minimalistic, user-centric design. It integrates the powerful s6 init system and a suite of specialized scripts to provide a fast, flexible environment. This article delves into what Obarun is, how it works, its target orientation, and a series of curiosities that make it stand out among other distributions.

What Is Obarun?

Origins and Definition

Obarun originated as a reaction to the growing complexity in major Linux distributions. Founded by the developer “HotCupOfStoat,” it aims to strip away unnecessary layers, focusing on speed, simplicity, and transparency. The name “Obarun” combines “Obar,” a Japanese term implying minimalism and refinement, with “run,” referencing the system’s service management.

Core Philosophy

Minimalism: Obarun avoids heavy default installations, offering only essential packages.
Control: Users are encouraged to build their system piece by piece, choosing exactly what they need.
Modularity: Through modular scripts and the s6 toolchain, each component runs independently without interdependencies.
Transparency: All service scripts are plain text, easily readable and modifiable.

How Obarun Works

Init System: s6

Unlike most modern distributions that rely on systemd, Obarun employs the s6 init suite. This system consists of several small programs designed for process supervision. Key features include:

• Fast boot times through parallel service startup.
• Robust process supervision, ensuring automatic restarts.
• Simple, text-based configuration for service scripts.

Package Management

Obarun inherits Arch Linux’s package manager, pacman, and adds a custom overlay called sir. This overlay simplifies sourcing and building packages from the Arch User Repository (AUR). Typical workflow:

• Install core packages: base, kernel, and essential s6 tools.
• Use sir to fetch AUR packages with automatic dependency resolution.
• Customize builds with local configuration files stored in /etc/sir.conf.

Runlevels and Scripts

Obarun introduces the concept of runlevels through its 66-init and runit-inspired scripts.

66-init

66-init is a flexible script that emulates SysV-style runlevels while leveraging s6’s strengths. It supports:

• Multi-user mode
• Single-user mode
• Custom runlevels defined by user scripts

Service Directory Structure

Services are stored in /etc/s6-rc and /var/service. Each directory contains:

• run scripts to start services
• finish scripts to handle termination
• env subdirectories for environment variables

Orientation and Target Audience

For Advanced Users

Obarun is oriented to users who:

• Prefer manual control over automatic configuration.
• Have experience with shell scripting and Linux internals.
• Value lightweight, high-performance systems for servers, containers, or desktops.

It is not recommended for Linux beginners, as the installation process requires command-line proficiency and familiarity with partitioning, bootloaders, and network setup.

Use Cases

• Server Environments: With low overhead and fast reboot times, Obarun excels in containerized deployments and virtual machines.
• Custom Desktops: Advanced users can assemble a personalized desktop environment, choosing from minimal window managers to full-fledged graphical stacks.
• Embedded Systems: Its modularity and small footprint suit embedded devices requiring precise control.

Curiosities

• DIY Installation: The installer is not a graphical wizard. Users interact with a script-driven environment in a live console, selecting packages and configuring services step by step.
• No Default Graphical Interface: Unlike most distros, Obarun ships without Xorg or Wayland. Users add these components manually, ensuring only needed drivers and toolkits.
• Script Transparency: All service scripts are readable shell files. There is no binary blob or opaque configuration hidden behind GUIs.
• Community-Driven: Although small, the Obarun community actively maintains documentation, scripts, and AUR helpers on GitHub and the Arch forums.
• Philosophical Roots: The project draws inspiration from minimalist philosophies like Wabi-Sabi, emphasizing impermanence and imperfection in design.
• Innovative Networking: Obarun provides optional networking through s6-networking scripts, which can manage Wi-Fi profiles via wpa_supplicant and wired networks through dhcpcd or systemd-networkd alternatives.
• Bootloader Choices: Users can install GRUB, systemd-boot (renamed to gummiboot), or even the lightweight ELILO, depending on hardware support and personal preference.

Comparison with Other Distributions

Installation Overview

The following list outlines the major installation steps:

• Boot from Obarun live ISO or USB.
• Partition disks using fdisk, gdisk, or cfdisk.
• Format partitions (ext4, btrfs, xfs, etc.).
• Mount filesystems under /mnt.
• Run obarun-installer script to select base packages.
• Configure fstab, hostname, locale, and network.
• Install and configure bootloader.
• Reboot into the new system and enable desired services via s6.

Community and Resources

Obarun’s community is spread across several platforms:

• Official website: https://obarun.org
• GitHub repository: https://github.com/obrun
• Arch Linux forums: Helps with Arch-specific and Obarun-related topics.
• IRC/Matrix channels: Real-time support from developers and users.

Conclusion

Obarun stands out as a lean, highly configurable Linux distribution tailored for users who demand full control and minimal overhead. Its use of the s6 init system and modular scripts underscores a dedication to simplicity and transparency. While the learning curve is steep, the reward is a system built precisely to one’s specifications. For those willing to invest the time, Obarun offers an unparalleled balance of power, speed, and elegance.

Sources

• https://obarun.org
• https://github.com/obrun/s6-rc
• https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Init_system_comparison