What is the difference between microkernel and macrokernel?

The difference between microkernel and macrokernel: The microkernel is equivalent to an information exchange center and has fewer functions that it can implement. Its main responsibility is to pass a request, an A module's request for the functions of other modules; and The macro kernel is equivalent to a centralized control center that manages all functions such as memory management and file management.

Microkernel: A streamlined version of the kernel that provides the core functionality of an operating system. It is designed to increase portability within a small memory space and provide a modular design. , so that users can install different interfaces, such as DOS, Workplace OS, Workplace Unix, etc. Operating systems such as IBM and Microsoft have adopted the advantages of this research result. (Baidu Encyclopedia)

Macro kernel: It is a type of operating system core architecture. The characteristic of this architecture is that the entire core program operates in the identity of Kernel Space and Supervisor Mode. run. Compared with other types of operating system architectures, such as micro-core architecture or mixed-core architecture, these cores will define a high-level virtual interface, which will cover and describe the entire computer hardware. These descriptions will be assembled into a set of hardware description words. , and sometimes some system calls are attached, so that one or more modules can be used to implement various operating system services, such as process management, synchronization (Concurrency) control, memory management, etc. (Baidu Encyclopedia)

After understanding the above two definitions, look at my understanding below:

1. The microkernel is equivalent to an information exchange center and has fewer functions that it can implement. His main responsibility is to pass a request, a request from module A to other module functions. The macro kernel is equivalent to a centralized control center that manages all functions such as memory management and file management.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of the two cores:

A. Theoretically, the design idea of ​​the microkernel is better. It divides the system into small functional modules and reduces the design difficulty. Greatly reduced. Therefore, system maintenance and modification are also easy to carry out.

B. However, the communication failure rate of microkernel is very high, which is a big problem. The coupling degree between the functional modules of the macro kernel is too high, which will increase the cost of modification and maintenance. But this will not cause big problems in the current Linux operating system (current Linux is not very complicated). Because the macro kernel is called directly, it is more efficient.

Microkernel operating systems include: Window, Minix, Mac, etc.

The operating systems of macro kernel include: Unix, Linux, etc.

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