Understanding Kernel In Operating Systems - Kernel is a software that is the main part of a computer operating system, its job is to serve various application programs to access computer hardware safely.
Other Kernel Definitions
There is also another definition of kernel is software that makes communication or mediator between applications (software) and hardware, which provides system services such as memory management for running processes, file management, input-output settings and many additional functions. other.
So basically the kernel is the link between software and hardware. Those are some explanations about the kernel, hopefully it can provide enlightenment or can be understood.
Kernel Functions
Kernel functions:
- Serves various application programs to access computer hardware safely.
- Because access to hardware is limited, while there is more than one program to serve at the same time, the kernel also has the job of controlling when and how long a program can use one piece of hardware. This is called multiplexing.
- Help run applications and support them with hardware abstraction features.
Categories of Kernels
Below is an explanation of the 4 categories of kernels:
1. Monolithic
A monolithic kernel is a kernel that integrates many functions within the kernel and provides a full hardware abstraction layer to the hardware under the operating system.
2. Microkernel
Kernel A microkernel is a kernel that provides only a small set of simple hardware abstractions, and uses applications called servers to provide other functions.
3. Hybrid Kernel
A hybrid kernel (modified microkernel) is a kernel that is exactly or similar to a microkernel, but also includes some additional code or code in the kernel space to make it faster or to improve its performance.
4. Exokernel
The Exokernel kernel is a kernel that does not provide hardware abstraction, but provides a set of libraries that provide direct or near-direct access to hardware functions.
Kernel design in linux operating system, which one to use? Operating systems such as Linux and Unix use a monolithic kernel, where the kernel is known as a monolithic design that has a very efficient design, although it is difficult to produce.