microkernel


microkernel

(operating system)An approach to operating system designemphasising small modules that implement the basic featuresof the system kernel and can be flexibly configured.

microkernel

(1) The foundation part of an operating system that is designed for the hardware it runs in. The other components of the OS interact with the microkernel in a message-based relationship and do not have to be rewritten if the OS is ported to new hardware. Only the hardware-dependent microkernel must be reprogrammed. Contrast with monolithic kernel. See kernel.

(2) A small control program designed to perform a limited set of functions in one hardware platform.