microkernel

microkernel

(operating system)

An approach to operating system design emphasising small modules that implement the basic features of the system kernel and can be flexibly configured.

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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.

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