floppy.supply • 1.44 MB Challenge

Software in 1.44 MB

Build meaningful software that fits on a classic 3.5″ floppy disk (1.44 MB ≈ 1,474,560 bytes) and can be launched from there – no gigabyte installers, no bloat. Once a year we pick the best entries.

max. 1.44 MB bootable / runnable from floppy real & virtual floppies allowed yearly winners

What is this about?

The 1.44 MB Challenge on floppy.supply is an open competition for developers who enjoy hard constraints. The goal: create a self-contained, useful software project that fits entirely on a single 3.5″ floppy disk – and can be launched directly from that disk.

Tool, game, demo, utility, educational software or something completely different – your software should run straight from the floppy and prove how much can still be done in 1.44 MB.

Rules & Requirements

Short version: small, runnable, documented.

  • Size limit: The complete project artifact (for example a disk image or archive) must be no larger than 1.44 MB. As a reference we use the classic 1.44 MB floppy (1,474,560 bytes).
  • Executable from floppy: The software must be runnable directly from the disk (or a floppy image), for example:
    • DOS program launched from A:\
    • Windows executable started from a floppy drive
    • Linux binary or script executed from a mounted floppy image
    Big installers that only download gigabytes from the internet are not in the spirit of this challenge.
  • Platform is your choice: DOS, Windows, Linux, classic Mac OS, bare metal, emulator targets – everything is allowed. Just describe the required environment clearly in your README.
  • Meaningful software: Pure “Hello World” with nothing else will not be considered. Small is good – but we are also looking for a bit of ambition.
  • Documentation: Your entry must at least contain:
    • a README with description, platform and usage
    • license information
  • Licensing & legal: You must own the rights to your code and assets, and you may not submit illegal content. Open source is appreciated, but not mandatory.

Judging & yearly winners

Once per year we go through all valid submissions and pick several winner projects. Criteria include:

  • Creativity: concept, idea, originality.
  • Usefulness or fun: is the tool genuinely helpful? is the game genuinely fun?
  • Technical elegance: how cleverly is the tiny size budget used?
  • Presentation: README, possibly screenshots or a short description.

Winners receive:

  • a dedicated subdomain on floppy.supply (for example yourproject.floppy.supply) to host a static HTML page presenting the project;
  • a mention in the official Hall of Fame of the challenge.
Quick facts
Goal

Software that fits entirely on a 1.44 MB floppy disk and can be launched from it.

Medium

Real 3.5″ floppies and virtual floppy images are both allowed.

Format

For example .img, .ima, suitable .iso images, or a ZIP with clear layout.

Language & tech

C, C++, Pascal, Rust, Assembly, Python with minimal runtime, … anything goes as long as it fits.

How to submit
  1. Create your floppy image or archive (maximum size: 1.44 MB).
  2. Add a README that includes:
    • a short description
    • platform / system requirements
    • how to run / controls / usage
    • license information
  3. Upload your project to a public place and send us the link or just attach it to the email.

Note: The yearly competitions start 2026-01-01 Email: floppy.supply@dragonmail.space

Tips for your project

  • Use simple assets (pixel art, low-res audio, ASCII art).
  • Consider generating content at runtime (e.g. procedural levels).
  • Avoid heavy frameworks and pick lean toolchains.
  • Test your project in an emulator with a floppy image (e.g. DOSBox, QEMU, PCem).
⌂ Start your project Create a fresh project directory, keep the 1.44 MB limit in mind, and start building.
In your README you can mention floppy.supply – 1.44 MB Challenge.