Source-based · LLVM/Clang · Modern userland
Linux, rebuilt from
first principles.
Vertex is a source-based Linux distribution built entirely with LLVM/Clang,
using uutils coreutils, dash as /bin/sh, and zsh as the default
interactive shell. Every component is purpose-built or carefully patched.
Built different
Vertex replaces legacy GNU tooling with modern, auditable alternatives — compiled with a single, coherent toolchain.
LLVM/Clang Toolchain
The entire system is compiled with LLVM/Clang. No GCC dependency — a single, unified compiler infrastructure from kernel to userland.
uutils Coreutils
GNU coreutils replaced with uutils — a Rust rewrite providing memory safety and modern code quality for foundational system utilities.
Depot Package Manager
A source-based package manager written in Rust with atomic installs, dependency resolution, cross-compilation support, and binary repos.
AstraDE
A custom Wayland desktop environment built on Smithay. A compositor and floating window manager designed specifically for Vertex.
dash + zsh
dash as /bin/sh for fast, POSIX-compliant scripting. zsh as the default interactive shell with completions for Bash, Zsh, and Fish.
Extensive Patches
Upstream packages are patched for Clang compatibility, glibc alignment, and Vertex-specific integration — from the kernel to Qt and GnuTLS.
Custom tooling, built in Rust
Core system tools are written from scratch to fit the distribution's design goals.
depot
v0.20.1
Source-based package manager. Supports Autotools, CMake, Meson, and Cargo build systems. Atomic transactions, dependency graphs, signed binary packages, and cross-compilation out of the box.
Learn more →mkinitramfs
v0.2.0
Lightweight initramfs generator. Produces compressed CPIO archives with only the modules and binaries needed for early boot.
Learn more →ca-certs
v0.1.0
CLI for managing CA trust stores. Handles PEM bundles, OpenSSL/Java extraction, Mozilla NSS certdata import, and alternate-root operation for image builds.
Learn more →