MikrokernelModelle

MikrokernelModelle refer to a minimalist approach to operating system design. Instead of placing all operating system services within a single, large kernel, a mikrokernel only includes the most fundamental functions necessary for the system to operate. These core functions typically include memory management, process scheduling, and inter-process communication.

All other operating system services, such as file systems, device drivers, and network protocols, are implemented as user-level processes or servers. This modular design offers several advantages. It enhances system reliability and security because a failure in one service is less likely to crash the entire system. It also improves flexibility, allowing services to be added, removed, or updated independently without modifying the kernel.

However, the increased reliance on inter-process communication between the kernel and these user-level servers can introduce performance overhead. Developing and debugging a mikrokernel-based system can also be more complex due to the distributed nature of the services. Prominent examples of operating systems that have utilized or explored mikrokernel architectures include Mach, L4, and MINIX. The concept has been influential in the field of operating system research and development.