Bootloader Template Pack

The Bootloader Template Pack is a comprehensive set of templates designed to help developers build their own custom bootloaders from scratch. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics of bootloader development or an advanced developer seeking an efficient starting point for your next project, this pack provides everything you need. The templates support multiple bootloader features, from basic disk loading to advanced Multiboot compatibility, paging, and even graphical mode setup using VESA.

Each version in this pack progressively increases in complexity, allowing you to start simple and build up to a fully functional and powerful bootloader.

Key Features:

• Version 1.0.0 (Basic Bootloader):
  • Hardcoded Kernel Loading: Directly loads a kernel from a specific disk sector.
  • Simple Real Mode Operation: Executes in real mode for easy understanding and modification.
  • Minimal Setup: Perfect for beginners who are starting with bootloader development.
• Version 1.5.0 (Intermediate Bootloader):
  • FAT12 Filesystem Support: Allows reading kernel files from a FAT12 filesystem, making kernel loading more flexible.
  • Protected Mode Transition: Includes code to switch the CPU to protected mode, enabling 32-bit operation.
  • Basic Error Handling: Provides error messages for disk read failures, improving robustness.
  • Dynamically Loaded Kernel: Loads the kernel from a FAT12 filesystem instead of hardcoding sectors.
• Version 2.0.0 (Advanced Bootloader):
  • FAT16 Filesystem Support: Adds support for FAT16, allowing for larger disks and kernels.
  • Multiboot Compatibility (Partial): Early support for loading Multiboot-compliant kernels, including passing memory maps.
  • Basic Boot Menu Framework: Allows users to select between multiple kernel options.
  • Paging Support (In Progress): Includes setup for paging and memory management.
• Version 3.0.0 (Advanced and Modular Bootloader):
  • Full Paging Setup: Includes a simple identity-mapped paging structure, enabling virtual memory.
  • VESA Graphics Mode: Switches the display to graphics mode using VESA BIOS Extensions, laying the groundwork for graphical boot menus.
  • Full Multiboot Header: Supports loading modern Multiboot-compliant kernels.
  • Modular Design: Code is structured into separate modules for easy customization and extension.
  • Improved Error Handling: Includes detailed error reporting and retry mechanisms for disk reads.License: This bootloader template pack is provided under a Commercial License. Redistribution of source code is prohibited, but compiled binaries may be distributed with your own projects. Attribution is required in any derived works.