Oberon Pi Brings Classic System to Modern Raspberry Pi with Enhanced Documentation and UI Fixes

Summary Oberon Pi is a significant adaptation of the Oberon system, originally developed by renowned computer scientists Niklaus Wirth and Jürg Gutknecht, for the Raspberry Pi OS. This project, spearheaded by Richard Gleaves, aims to make the classic Oberon environment more accessible to modern users. Richard, a former member of the UCSD Pascal Project and the author of "Modula-2 for Pascal Programmers" (1984), brought his expertise to this endeavor, updating the user interface elements to align with contemporary software standards while retaining the unique features that define Oberon. Development and Goals The original Oberon system, launched in the late 1980s, was a pioneering operating system, compiler, and programming language designed for simplicity and efficiency. It introduced several innovative user interface elements, but some aspects, such as mouse interclicking and opaque command names, posed challenges for new users. Richard Gleaves' primary goal with Oberon Pi is to flatten the learning curve while preserving the system's educational value. To achieve this, Richard made several key modifications: - User Interface Enhancements: The UI was updated to meet modern standards, making it easier for users to navigate and understand. - Documentation Improvements: New user guides were written for the operating system and the draw application. Additionally, tables of contents were added to the original PDF documents on the Oberon language, enhancing their usability. - Compiler Fixes: Andreas Pirklbauer's changes were incorporated to fully implement CASE statements and address a few compiler bugs. Features and Installation Oberon Pi runs as an application within the Raspberry Pi OS, creating a window that functions like a separate computer running the Oberon system. This environment includes its own windows, command menus, and file system, providing a comprehensive and self-contained experience. System Requirements: - Raspberry Pi computer (preferably Pi4 or Pi5) - 32-bit or 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS desktop version (Bookworm or Bullseye) - Desktop computer monitor (larger screens are recommended) Installation: Detailed instructions are available in the Oberon Pi Setup Guide. However, to run Oberon Pi on a 64-bit architecture Raspberry Pi OS, additional steps are required: 1. Change directory to Oberon Emulator. 2. Rename the risc file to risc.pi400. 3. Install the SDL2 library using sudo apt install libsdl2-dev. 4. Run make to generate a new risc executable. An archive containing both 32-bit and 64-bit 'risc' executables is also available, simplifying the installation process for users with different system configurations. Historical Context The original Oberon system was re-implemented in 2013 by Wirth and Paul Reed for a custom RISC processor. In 2014, Peter De Wachter developed an emulator for this RISC processor. Oberon Pi builds upon this work, making the emulator compatible with the Raspberry Pi OS. This lineage underscores the system's ongoing relevance and the dedication of the community to preserve and enhance it for educational purposes. Evaluation and Company Profile Industry insiders and enthusiasts have praised Oberon Pi for its thoughtful approach to modernizing a classic piece of software. By addressing the usability issues that plagued the original system, Richard Gleaves has made Oberon a valuable resource for those interested in minimalist and efficient computing. Niklaus Wirth, known for his contributions to computer science, including the development of Pascal and Modula-2, remains a central figure in the field. His continued work on Oberon and its derivatives highlights his commitment to lean and elegant software design. Oberon Pi stands out for its comprehensive documentation and the inclusion of source code, making it an excellent tool for teaching and learning about operating systems and compilers. For educators and hobbyists, it offers a unique blend of historical significance and practical utility, bridging the gap between vintage computing principles and modern hardware capabilities. The project's availability on GitHub ensures a robust community can contribute to its further development and improvement.