Sorcerer (operating system)
{{ infobox OS | name = Sorcerer | logo = | developer = Kyle Sallee | family = Linux | source_model = Open source | working_state = Current | latest_release_version = | latest_release_date = | kernel_type = Monolithic kernel | license = Various | website = sorcerer.silverice.org | screenshot = | caption = }}
Sorcerer is a Linux distribution. It downloads and compiles source code to install a program. It uses terminology based on magic, e.g., a package (program or library) is termed a "spell"; to install a package you "cast" that spell, and to remove a package you "dispel" that spell. Originally, Sorcerer was named Sorcerer GNU/Linux, with key components licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). However, current versions of Sorcerer release some key components under the Sorcerer Public License and not the GPL, and the distribution has dropped the term GNU/Linux. Sorcerer has two forks: Lunar Linux and Source Mage GNU/Linux.
Technical distinctions
A somewhat distinctive feature of Sorcerer is the fact that it is based exclusively on source code packages. While many other operating systems GeneRally make use of a package that contains pre-compiled (executable) programs, Sorcerer Linux packages compile the source code on the machine at install time.
Other source based Linux distributions include Gentoo Linux, GoboLinux, CRUX, Lunar Linux, Source Mage GNU/Linux, and ROCK Linux.
The package management system keeps track of updates to packages at the home page of each package, so that new versions can be downloaded and installed as they become available. It also tracks library dependencies, so if a library file is updated, all binaries that depend on that library can be recompiled.
One disadvantage is the high minimum system requirements, since a significant amount of compilation is required to install a system with extensive functionality. , these included 1 GB of RAM and 20 GB of hard disk space. This is suggested because compiling the entire system from scratch consumes large amounts of system resources and that Sorcerer uses a large amount of disk space 1.
Users can add new packages to the packaging system on their local box by creating a "spell" or configuration file for it, and can submit the new spell for inclusion in the general distribution.
Sorcerer's packaging system is written in the bash shell scripting language.