IncludeOS is a unikernel operating system that allows C++ services to include a minimal OS as a library during compilation.
The project addresses the need for lightweight, efficient cloud services by embedding a tiny operating system directly into application binaries at link time. Rather than running applications on a full operating system, developers write C++ code that includes the OS itself, eliminating unnecessary kernel features and reducing resource consumption. The approach uses x86 hardware virtualization to run on standard hypervisors and cloud platforms.
IncludeOS suits projects where minimal memory footprint and fast boot times are critical priorities. It works well for containerized cloud services, microservices, and scenarios where reducing infrastructure overhead matters. The tool is appropriate for developers comfortable with C++ and willing to work with a unikernel model rather than traditional operating systems. Teams should be aware that the public API remains unstable and that certain language features like threads and filestreams lack full backend support. The project officially targets Linux KVM for development and testing, though it also supports VirtualBox and VMware platforms.
Development activity shows ongoing work on core functionality with active refinement of the C++ standard library integration and network stack. The project maintains a modular architecture that allows selective inclusion of components, and contributors continue expanding language feature support and addressing backend gaps in the standard library implementation.
