Monolithic Kernel and Key Differences From Microkernel

Apart from microkernel, Monolithic Kernel is another classification of Kernel. Like microkernel, this one also manages system resources between application and hardware, but user and kernel services are implemented under the same address space. It increases the size of the kernel, thus increasing the size of the operating system as well.  This kernel provides CPU scheduling, memory management, file management, and other operating system functions through system calls. As both services are implemented under the same address space, the operating system execution is faster. 

What is a Monolithic Kernel?

A monolithic kernel is an operating system kernel in which all the operating system services run in kernel space, meaning they all share the same memory space. This type of kernel is characterized by its tight integration of system services and its high performance.

Below is the diagrammatic representation of the Monolithic Kernel: 

Advantages of Monolithic Kernel

• One of the major advantages of having a monolithic kernel is that it provides CPU scheduling, memory management, file management, and other operating system functions through system calls.
• The other one is that it is a single large process running entirely in a single address space.
• It is a single static binary file. Examples of some Monolithic Kernel-based OSs are Unix, Linux, Open VMS, XTS-400, z/TPF.
• No need for complex inter-process communication (IPC), which speeds up system call execution.

Disadvantages of Monolithic Kernel

• Stability Issues: One of the major disadvantages of a monolithic kernel is that if anyone service fails it leads to an entire system failure.
• Lack of Modularity: If the user has to add any new service. The user needs to modify the entire operating system.
• Security Risks: A bug or vulnerability in any service can affect the entire system since all services run in kernel mode.
• Large Size: The kernel can become very large and complex as more services are added.

What is Microkernel?

A microkernel is a type of operating system kernel in which only the most basic services run in kernel space, with other services running in user space. This type of kernel is characterized by its modularity, simplicity, and ability to run multiple operating systems on the same hardware. 

The microkernel itself typically includes only the most fundamental services, such as:

• Inter-process Communication (IPC): Mechanisms for processes to communicate and synchronize with each other.
• Basic Scheduling: Managing the execution of processes.
• Minimal Memory Management: Essential functions for memory allocation and protection.

Other functionalities that are often part of a monolithic kernel, like device drivers, file systems, and network protocols, are implemented in user space as separate processes. This contrasts with a monolithic kernel, where all these services run in kernel space.

Kernel Space vs User Space

Before comparing types of kernels, it's important to know whether components run in kernel space or user space, as this impacts how the system works.

In an operating system, there are two main areas where code runs: user space and kernel space. User space is where user applications run, while kernel space is where the operating system and other important parts run. In kernel space, code can directly access system resources like memory and hardware, allowing it to perform special tasks that user space code can't.

System calls are important for connecting user space and kernel space. They let user applications ask the kernel for specific services. When an application makes a system call, it switches from user space to kernel space, allowing the kernel to do what the application requested.

Key Differences Between Monolithic and Micro Kernel

• System Services: In a monolithic kernel, all system services run in kernel space, whereas in a microkernel, only the most basic services (such as memory management and process scheduling) run in kernel space, with other services running in user space.
• Performance: Monolithic kernels are generally faster and more efficient than microkernels, because there is no overhead associated with moving data between kernel space and user space.
• Modularity: Microkernels are more modular than monolithic kernels, because services are separated into different processes running in user space. This makes it easier to add or remove services without affecting other parts of the system.
• Security: Microkernels are generally considered more secure than monolithic kernels, because a bug or vulnerability in a service running in user space is less likely to affect the entire system.
• Development: Developing a monolithic kernel is generally simpler and faster than developing a microkernel, because all system services are integrated and share the same memory space.

Differences Between Monolithic Kernel and Microkernel

Conclusion

In summary, monolithic kernels are characterized by their tight integration of system services and high performance, while microkernels are characterized by their modularity, simplicity, and security. The choice between a monolithic and microkernel architecture depends on the specific needs and requirements of the operating system being developed.