Terry A. Davis
Terrence Andrew Davis (December 15, 1969 – August 11, 2018) was an American electrical engineer and computer programmer best known for creating TempleOS, a public domain operating system.
Terry Davis was an American programmer and electrical engineer. He is best known for creating TempleOS, a public domain operating system with a biblical theme.
What is TempleOS?
TempleOS is a public domain operating system designed and built by Terry Davis. It was written in HolyC, a programming language he created. Davis believed God commanded him to build it as the Third Temple.
Why it matters
TempleOS stands out as a technical achievement built largely by one person. However, Davis's story is also a tragic one: he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and his work was shaped by his mental health struggles.
Key details
Davis was born in 1969 and had formal training in electrical engineering. He died in 2018 in The Dalles, Oregon. His work remains a notable example of outsider art in computing.
In short
- Created TempleOS, a public domain operating system.
- Developed HolyC programming language.
- Project was framed as a religious commandment.
- Remembered as a unique figure in programming culture.
Quick questions
Who was Terry Davis?
What is TempleOS?
What is HolyC?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._DavisSupports: Birth and death dates, nationality, occupations, TempleOS, HolyC, and religious motivation for TempleOS.
- Wikiquote — https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Terry_A._DavisSupports: Biographical details including occupation and mental health background.
- The New Stack — https://thenewstack.io/the-troubled-legacy-of-terry-davis-gods-lonely-programmer/Supports: TempleOS development, HolyC, and biographical context.
- German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._DavisSupports: Occupation, TempleOS, HolyC, and death place.