Linux Monolithic Kernel
TLDR: The Linux monolithic Kernel is the architectural design of the Linux Kernel, where all Linux Kernel core system services, including Linux Kernel process management, Linux Kernelmemory handling, and Linux Kernel device drivers, operate in Linux Kernel space. Introduced by Linus Torvalds in 1991, this design integrates essential functionality directly into the kernel, providing Linux Kernel high performance and Linux Kernel efficient hardware management. Despite its complexity, the Linux Monolithic Kernel has proven to be Linux Kernel stable, Linux Kernel scalable, and Linux Kernel adaptable across a wide range of Linux devices.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
The monolithic kernel design centralizes critical operations within the kernel space, ensuring faster communication between components compared to microkernel architectures. It includes built-in support for device drivers, file systems, and networking protocols, reducing the need for external dependencies. However, its unified nature means that errors in kernel code can have system-wide impacts, making thorough testing and debugging essential for maintaining stability.
Modern enhancements to the Linux Monolithic Kernel include support for dynamic module loading, which allows drivers and features to be added or removed at runtime without requiring kernel recompilation. This modularity ensures flexibility while preserving the performance advantages of a monolithic design. By balancing complexity with efficiency, the Linux Monolithic Kernel remains a cornerstone of reliable and high-performing operating systems.
https://www.kernel.org/doc/html/latest/
- Snippet from Wikipedia: Monolithic kernel
A monolithic kernel is an operating system architecture with the entire operating system running in kernel space. The monolithic model differs from other architectures such as the microkernel in that it alone defines a high-level virtual interface over computer hardware. A set of primitives or system calls implement all operating system services such as process management, concurrency, and memory management.
Device drivers can be added to the kernel as loadable kernel modules.