kernprocedure

Kernprocedure is a term used in some programming and operating system contexts to denote a kernel-space procedure, a function or routine that runs inside the operating system kernel rather than in user space. It is not a standardized term across all platforms; its precise meaning varies by project and documentation.

In practice, kernprocedures are small units of code that operate with privileged access to hardware and kernel data structures. They may be invoked as part of handling a system call, in response to an interrupt, or as a routine executed by a kernel thread or driver.

Key characteristics include execution in privileged mode, direct access to memory and peripherals, and the potential to run in interrupt context where sleeping is not allowed. They must be designed for concurrency and safety, often using synchronization primitives such as spinlocks or mutexes and following kernel memory management and error-handling conventions.

Implementation typically involves C as the main language, with occasional assembly for low-level tasks. Kernprocedures interact through well-defined interfaces with other kernel components, and may defer work to work queues, tasklets, or kernel threads to avoid lengthy operations in critical contexts.

Because kernprocedures operate with high privileges, bugs or unsafe practices can destabilize the system or create security vulnerabilities. Proper code review, rigorous testing, and adherence to subsystem interfaces are essential.

Related concepts include system calls, device drivers, interrupt handlers, and kernel threads.