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Introduction
We write programs to do some particular tasks. Operating and managing a computer system is also a task, and it's a very complex one. So we need a program to manage the computer system as well. Right? So, the program that manages the whole computer system is the Kernel. Now, let's learn about the Kernel in this article. At the end of this article, you will understand the importance of Kernel. We will also discuss the different kinds of Kernel. So, let's begin.
A kernel is a computer program at the core of a computer's operating system. It generally has complete control over everything.
It is one of the first programs to be loaded up on the memory before the boot loader. It manages the memory as well as peripherals such as keyboards and monitors.
It acts as a primary interface between the hardware and the processes of a computer. The Kernel connects these two to adjust resources as effectively as possible.
Purpose of Kernel
We discussed that Kernel is one of the most critical parts of the operating system. So, let's discuss the jobs which the Kernel does. Below given are some of the purposes served by the Kernel.
It determines the processes that will go next in the CPU(Central Processing Unit), for how long, and when.
It monitors what amount of memory is being used to store what and where it is stored.
Kernel serves as an interface between the processes and the hardware.
It receives requests from the processes through system calls.
You must be wondering by now where the Kernel is stored so that you can modify and customize the Kernel. But there is bad news if you are thinking of doing so. You can't access the Kernel. If the Kernel is implemented appropriately, it's out of sight of the user. It operates in its area called the kernel space. It allocates memory to the processes and monitors where everything is stored in the kernel space. The user space is the environment where you see the files and browsers. The programs communicate with the Kernel using a system call interface.
Remember about kernel space and user space as we will use them in discussing the types of Kernel later in this article.
A Kernel performs many tasks, as we have discussed above. Now, let's learn about the functions performed by Kernel in detail. We have listed the tasks performed by Kernel in the below-given list.
Memory Management
The Kernel has full access to the computer's memory. Whenever a process requires some memory, the Kernel enables that process to safely access the memory, ensuring that no two applications crash into each other. The Kernel uses the paging and segmentation techniques of virtual addressing to give access to memory to the processes safely.
Device Management
The processes often need access to the computer's peripheral devices to perform their tasks. For example, the application needs access to the camera to record a video. The Kernel is responsible for controlling and managing these peripheral devices using device drivers. Device drivers are programs for specific devices which enables the OS to control them.
Accessing Computer Resources
A kernel is responsible for accessing computer resources such as RAM and I/O devices. Kernel decides which memory is to be used by each process and what to do if the required memory is unavailable.
Resource Management
The Kernel is responsible for sharing the available resources between various processes. It is one of the most important functionalities of the Kernel. It must ensure that each process has uniform access to the available resources. It is also responsible for the communication between processes, i.e., inter-process communication (IPC) and context-switching between processes.
There are five types of Kernel. Each of them is mentioned below with its explanation, advantages, and disadvantages.
Monolithic Kernels
The Kernel and userspace use the same memory space in a monolithic kernel. This means that no different memory space is used for user services and kernel services. The OS's overall size increases since it uses the same memory space. The execution of processes is faster in this type of Kernel as the same memory space is used for user and kernel services.
Example: Unix, Linux, XTS-400, etc.
Advantages
Execution of processes is faster.
Since it is a single piece of software, its sources and compiled form are smaller.
Disadvantages
If a new service is to be added, the whole operating system needs to be modified.
This type of Kernel is not portable. For each different architecture, the Kernel needs to be rewritten.
If a service generates an error, the whole system may crash.
Its size is larger and hence difficult to manage.
Microkernel
In this type of Kernel, the user and Kernel services are implemented into two different address spaces, i.e., user and kernel spaces. It is easier to manage and maintain than Monolithic Kernel, but it may perform slower if many system calls and context switching are made.
Microkernels provide only some essential services like defining memory address space, Inter-Process Management, and process management. The Kernel does not offer other services like networking. Instead, they are handled by a userspace program known as Server.
In microkernels, there will be no system crash when a process crashes, and it can be resolved by just restarting the error-caused services.
Example: Amigos, Minix, L4, etc.
Advantages
Easily manageable
New services can be easily added without modifying the existing OS.
If a kernel process crashes, a system crash can be prevented by restarting the error-caused services. Hence it is more stable.
Disadvantages
System performance is reduced due to the increased requirement of software for interfacing.
Process management in microkernel is complicated.
Hybrid Kernel
Hybrid Kernels are a combination of both Monolithic kernels and Microkernels. It combines the speed of Monolithic Kernel with the modularity of Microkernels. It is similar to a microkernel, but it also includes some additional code in kernel space to enhance the system performance. Hybrid Kernel allows to run some services like network stack in kernel space, but it still allows kernel code like device drivers to run as servers in userspace.
Example: Windows NT, BeOS, Netware, etc.
Advantages
No requirements for a reboot for testing
Third-party technologies can be integrated rapidly.
Disadvantages
Possibility of more bugs due to more interfaces to pass-through
It is challenging for the administrators to maintain the modules.
Nanokernel
In Nanokernel, the complete code of the Kernel is very small. This means that the code getting executed in the privileged mode of hardware is very small. In Nanokernel, the term nano defines the support for a nanosecond clock resolution.
Example: EROS, etc.
Advantages
It can provide hardware abstraction even with a very small size.
Disadvantages
It lacks the system services.
Exokernel
In Exokernel, resource protection is separated from the management part, which allows us to perform application-specific customization. It follows the end-to-end principle. It has the fewest hardware abstractions possible and allocates the physical resources to applications.
Advantages
It provides better support for application control.
Improved performance of applications.
Applications are allowed to have their optimized memory management system.
Disadvantages
The design of exokernel interfaces is complex.
The whole article can be summarized as given below.
A kernel is the core part of an Operating System. It comprises five types: Monolithic Kernel, Microkernel, Hybrid Kernel, Nano Kernel, and Exo Kernel. The main functions of Kernel are memory management, resource management, and device management.
In an operating system, User Mode and Kernel Mode define how programs access system resources. They differ mainly in their level of access. Kernel Mode has full control over hardware and system operations, while User Mode has limited access to protect the system. This separation ensures system stability and security.
User Mode
Definition: User Mode is a restricted mode where regular applications run. Programs here cannot directly access hardware or system memory. Instead, they must request services from the operating system.
Real-World Example Think of User Mode as a visitor at a museum. You can look at the exhibits but cannot touch or move anything. If you need something, you ask the staff.
Key Points:
Limited access to hardware and memory.
Applications run here.
If a program crashes, it doesn't affect the whole system.
Kernel Mode
Definition Kernel Mode is where the operating system core and essential drivers operate. Programs running in this mode have complete access to the system's memory and hardware.
Real-World Example Kernel Mode is like the museum staff. They can go behind the scenes, fix issues, and control everything because they have full access.
Key Points:
Full access to hardware and memory.
Only trusted system processes run here.
Errors in this mode can crash the entire system.
Difference between User Mode vs Kernel Mode
Feature
User Mode
Kernel Mode
Access Level
Limited
Full
Example Programs
Games, Browsers
Device Drivers, OS Kernels
System Stability
More stable (isolated crashes)
Less stable (critical crashes)
Direct Hardware Access
No
Yes
Kernel vs Operating System
The Kernel and the Operating System (OS) are related but not the same. The kernel is a crucial part of the OS, but the OS includes many other components like user interfaces, system tools, and applications.
Key Differences
Definition & Role
Kernel: The core part of the OS that manages system resources and hardware.
Operating System: A complete system that includes the kernel, system libraries, user interfaces, and applications.
Operating System: Kernel + utilities like file managers, text editors, and graphical interfaces.
Interaction with Hardware & Applications
Kernel: Directly interacts with hardware and controls communication between hardware and software.
Operating System: Provides a user-friendly environment for running applications, using the kernel for hardware interaction.
User Accessibility
Kernel: Hidden from regular users. Only developers or system-level programs interact with it.
Operating System: Accessible to all users. It provides the tools and environment needed for daily use.
Example
Imagine the Kernel as the engine of a car. It powers everything, but you (the user) mostly interact with the car controls and dashboard (the Operating System)e!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kernel?
A kernel is a computer program at the core of a computer's operating system. It generally has complete control over everything.
What are the types of Kernel?
Kernels are of five types: Monolithic Kernel, Microkernel, Hybrid Kernel, Nano Kernel, and Exo Kernel.
What are the main functions of Kernel?
The main functions of the Kernel are memory management, device management, and resource management.
Which type of Kernel is used by Windows?
Windows uses Hybrid Kernel as it combines the performance of a monolithic Kernel with the stability of a microkernel.
Which type of Kernel is used by Android?
Android Operating System, widely used in smartphones, is based on the Linux Kernel, which uses the monolithic type of Kernel.
Conclusion
We have extensively discussed Kernel in Operating systems in this article. We hope that this blog has helped you understand what Kernel is and what are its functionalities and types. You can refer to the below-given articles to enhance your knowledge of Operating Systems.
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