mikrokernelin

A mikrokernel is a minimalist computer operating system kernel. The key idea behind a mikrokernel is to implement only the most fundamental services required to run an operating system in kernel space. These services typically include memory management, process scheduling, and inter-process communication. All other operating system services, such as device drivers, file systems, and network protocols, are implemented as user-space processes, often called servers.

This contrasts with a monolithic kernel, where all operating system services are tightly integrated and run within the kernel's privileged address space. The primary advantage of a mikrokernel architecture is its modularity and increased reliability. If a user-space server crashes, it typically does not bring down the entire operating system. Furthermore, the smaller size of the kernel makes it easier to verify and potentially more secure.

However, the performance of mikrokernel systems can be a concern. Communication between user-space servers and the kernel, and between different servers, requires context switches and message passing, which can introduce overhead compared to direct function calls within a monolithic kernel. Despite this, ongoing research and development continue to explore and refine mikrokernel designs to balance their advantages with performance considerations. Examples of operating systems that have employed or explored mikrokernel designs include Mach, L4, and QNX.