When it comes to operating system design, there are two main approaches: microkernel and monolithic kernel. Both have their pros and cons, and in this article, we will explore the main differences between them.
A monolithic kernel is an operating system architecture where the entire operating system runs in kernel space. This means that all the basic system services such as process scheduling, memory management, and device drivers are part of the kernel. The monolithic kernel provides a single address space, which means that all the code and data are in the same place, and it is easier to share information between different parts of the kernel.
A microkernel is an operating system architecture where the kernel is stripped down to its most basic functions, and other services are provided by separate processes, called servers. The microkernel provides a minimal set of services, such as inter-process communication and basic memory management. All other services, such as device drivers and file systems, run as separate processes in user space.
Most modern operating systems are actually not one pure model, hybrid systems.
Plus, many modern operating systems implement loadable kernel modules, so each core component is separate and each is loadable as needed within the kernel.
In conclusion, the choice between a monolithic kernel and a microkernel depends on the requirements of the system. A monolithic kernel is generally faster and simpler to implement, but a microkernel is more modular and easier to maintain. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the operating system designer to decide which architecture is best suited for their system.