kkernel

kkernel is a term used in computing to refer to kernel implementations or projects that go by the name kkernel. It is not a single official project; rather, multiple independent efforts have used the name for different purposes, including educational kernels, research prototypes, and demonstration builds.

In educational and research contexts, kkernel commonly denotes a small, portable kernel designed to illustrate core operating system concepts. Such kernels emphasize readability and a minimal feature set, providing basic facilities for process management, memory management, and inter-process communication (IPC).

Architecturally, kkernel implementations vary. Some adopt microkernel principles, isolating services in user space and communicating via IPC, while others resemble simplified monolithic designs. Common goals include portability across architectures, a small codebase, clear interfaces, and ease of experimentation.

Core components typically implemented in kkernel projects include a scheduler, a basic memory manager, interrupt handling, device I/O abstractions, and a hardware abstraction layer. In practice, many kkernel efforts also provide minimal file-system or driver support intended for learning rather than production use.

Development and licensing are equally varied. Many kkernel projects are open source, released under permissive licenses to facilitate study, modification, and teaching. They are usually maintained by academic groups, hobbyists, or researchers and may evolve rapidly as educational goals change.

See also: Kernel, Microkernel, Monolithic kernel, Exokernel, Operating system, Educational operating system.