Terry Davis was an American programmer known for creating TempleOS, a unique operating system he developed almost entirely alone. Often appearing in videos with a distinctive beard and an intense demeanor, his public persona became intertwined with his project. Born with Bipolar Disorder, his mental health challenges profoundly influenced his work, merging complex programming with his spiritual beliefs. He believed TempleOS was a modern-day prophetic work, a "Third Temple" for computers.
Developed over a decade, TempleOS was a 64-bit, public domain operating system designed to be God's official temple. Davis wrote almost all of its components from scratch, including the kernel, compiler, and an original programming language called HolyC, a variation of C. The OS featured a flight simulator, a dynamic graphics system, and unique text-based applications, all reflecting his personal spiritual beliefs.
Despite its unconventional nature and the challenges posed by his mental health, TempleOS garnered a cult following among some programmers and internet culture enthusiasts, who recognized Davis's prodigious technical skill and dedication. His project remains a poignant and complex example of the intersection between genius, mental health, and computing.
