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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Terrence Andrew Davis (December 15, 1969 – August 11, 2018) was an American electrical engineer and computer programmer. He is best known for creating TempleOS, a public domain operating system, and for developing the programming language HolyC. Davis became a notable figure in internet and programming culture due to his unusual, highly individual approach to software development.

Early life and education

Terrence Andrew Davis was born in 1969. He had formal training in electrical engineering and worked as a programmer before building TempleOS.

TempleOS

Davis is chiefly associated with TempleOS, a public domain operating system he created and designed. The project became notable for being built largely by one person and for its religious framing. He believed God had commanded him to create TempleOS as the Third Temple prophesied in the Bible.

HolyC and technical work

Davis developed HolyC, the programming language used for TempleOS. He created major components of the operating system himself, including its core software.

Mental health and public image

Biographical sources note that Davis experienced manic episodes and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. His life and work have since been discussed as both a technical achievement and a tragic personal story.

Death and legacy

Davis died on August 11, 2018, in The Dalles, Oregon. He is remembered in programming communities for TempleOS and for the singular nature of his software project.

Key facts

  • Davis is best known as the creator and designer of TempleOS, a public domain operating system.
  • TempleOS was written in HolyC, a programming language Davis developed himself.
  • He believed God had commanded him to create TempleOS as the Third Temple prophesied in the Bible.
  • Davis had a background in electrical engineering and worked as a programmer before building TempleOS.
  • Multiple sources describe him as a prominent, unusual figure in internet and programming culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Terry Davis?
Terry Davis was an American programmer and electrical engineer best known for creating TempleOS.
What is TempleOS?
TempleOS is a public domain operating system designed and built by Davis, with a biblical theme.
What is HolyC?
HolyC is the programming language Davis created for use in TempleOS.
What is Terry Davis known for in computing?
He is known for building a full operating system largely on his own and for doing so in a highly unconventional, self-directed way.
When did Terry Davis die?
He died on August 11, 2018, in The Dalles, Oregon.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._Davis
    Supports: Birth and death dates, nationality, occupations, TempleOS, HolyC, and religious motivation for TempleOS.
  2. Wikiquote — https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Terry_A._Davis
    Supports: Biographical details including occupation and mental health background.
  3. The New Stack — https://thenewstack.io/the-troubled-legacy-of-terry-davis-gods-lonely-programmer/
    Supports: TempleOS development, HolyC, and biographical context.
  4. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._Davis
    Supports: Occupation, TempleOS, HolyC, and death place.