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Glite Dictionary
microkernel

microkernel

1 8.3
A very small part of a computer operating system that gives only basic services
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊˌkɜrnəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microkernel
  • The first point might work given you have that many resources, but still getting it to work reliably and securely will cost a fortune even if it's only a microkernel we are talking about.
  • microkernel-based

Examples

  • In a microkernel architecture, essential operations are streamlined to reduce overhead on system resources.

  • More recently, the seL4 project verified all of the C code for an entire microkernel.

    Academic text (2011)

  • All Boogie specifications following a design used in recent microkernels, 6, 8 no Nucleus function ever blocks.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Another design decision simplified reasoning about the Nucleus: following the approach taken by the recent verified L4 microkernel, seL4.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The verified seL4 microkernel is substantially larger than the verified Verve Nucleus (8700 lines of C vs. 1400 x86 instructions).

    Academic text (2011)

  • The microkernel provides minimal services while allowing other functions to run separately.

  • Developers appreciate the microkernel for its ability to enhance system performance and security.

How Complex

Linux
  • Specialized
109 4.0
OS
  • Specialized
82 3.4
microkernel
  • Specialized
1 8.3
firmware
  • Specialized
17 5.9

Surface Forms

microkernel singular
microkernels plural

Morphology

microkernel = kernel (semi-transparent) = micro + kernel

The word is compositionally built from 'micro' + 'kernel', but the computing sense is a specialized technical term rather than a fully everyday combination.

Etymology

The word microkernel combines micro- meaning 'small', the same micro you see in microscope or microphone, and kernel meaning 'core' or 'seed', like the small part inside a nut. So a microkernel is a very small core of an operating system that only runs the most basic services while other features run separately.