Q. Can you explain the architecture of Linux kernel?
A. Linus Torvalds wrote the first Linux kernel way back in 1991.
Linux is a monolithic kernel. It supports:
=> Preemptive multitasking (both in user mode and kernel mode)
=> Virtual memory
=> Shared libraries
=> On Demand loading
=> Shared copy-on-write executables
=> Memory management
=> The Internet protocol suite and networking
=> Threading
=> Inter-Process Communication
=> Virtual File System and much more
Discussion related to Linux architecture is beyond the scope of this FAQ section. I recommend following books and resources for more information:
- Linux Kernel in a Nutshell - free (Creative Commons license) downloadable book on the Linux kernel
- Kernel.org - Basic Linux kernel documentation and source code
- LWN kernel info pagesThis index covers articles published in the LWN.net Kernel Page.
- Understanding the Linux Kernel [ILLUSTRATED] - This book explains the inner workings of the current 2.6 Linux kernel. I highly recommend this book. You'll learn what conditions bring out Linux's best performance, and you'll see how it meets the challenge of providing good system response during process scheduling, file access, and memory management in a wide variety of environments. This book will help you make the most of your Linux system.
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- Last Updated: 12/18/07



{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
hay is linux monolitic kernel?
or modular kernel?
Linux is a module-loading monolithic kernel
please send me the related documents of linux.
Man, this site has an excellent “ad to actual content” ratio. Why bother with something like this? The design is horrible.
what is x_86 architecture,plz send me ssiirr
What is inode ?
How to run java program in linux?
What is mono program in linux?
i want details on commands .
i want a diagram of a linux in an airline booking system or a general diagram of a linux please
i want linux basics and some information how to start learning linux file systems and scripting and all one by one plz reply me
Is linux a layered architecture? What r the names and functionality of each layer?
Hi sir/ madam…
plz suggest me abt linux architecture…bcoz i have make a effective ppt on dis topic…
hopefully u’ll help me sure……….
thanking u…..
from Raj choubey
(mca) Bhopal