Nextstep Operating System
NeXTSTEP Operating System
NeXTSTEP is a discontinued object-oriented, multitasking operating system based on the Mach kernel and the UNIX-derived BSD. It was developed by NeXT, a company founded by Steve Jobs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. NeXTSTEP was initially used for NeXT’s proprietary workstation computers, such as the NeXT Computer.
Features and Innovations
NeXTSTEP introduced several innovative features that have influenced modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It was one of the first operating systems to incorporate the idea of a Dock, a feature now common in many operating systems, including macOS. The system also featured a Shelf for storing frequently used files and applications.
Other notable GUI concepts pioneered by NeXTSTEP include:
- 3D chiseled widgets: Visual elements with a three-dimensional look that became standard in GUIs.
- Large full-color icons: Enhanced visual representation for files and applications.
- System-wide drag and drop: Allowed the movement of objects beyond simple file icons.
- System-wide piped services: Enabled applications to interact by piping data between them.
- Real-time scrolling and window dragging: Provided a more interactive and responsive user experience.
- Properties dialog boxes called "inspectors": Allowed users to modify settings and properties of objects and files directly.
- Window modification notices: Alerts for changes such as the saved status of a file.
Development and Architecture
NeXTSTEP was built on the Mach microkernel architecture and integrated with 4.3BSD-Reno in its 3.0 version. This architecture allowed for high flexibility and efficiency in managing system resources. The last version of NeXTSTEP, version 3.3, was released in early 1995. It supported a variety of hardware platforms, including the Motorola 68000 family-based NeXT computers, Intel x86 architecture, Sun SPARC, and HP PA-RISC systems.
NeXTSTEP to OpenStep
NeXT eventually separated the operating system from the application frameworks, resulting in a platform called OpenStep. This separation allowed the application frameworks to be used independently of the underlying operating system, promoting wider adoption. Elements of NeXTSTEP's API and architecture were integrated into Rhapsody and eventually evolved into macOS.
Legacy
The influence of NeXTSTEP extends well beyond its lifetime. After NeXT was acquired by Apple Inc., the technology and design philosophies of NeXTSTEP were instrumental in the development of Apple's macOS. Elements of NeXTSTEP's design can still be seen in modern operating systems, underscoring its lasting impact on software development.