Linux is just a kernel: what does that mean?

This is a common problem plaguing Linux users. This is also a question often asked in exams and interviews. Here's everything you need to know.

You may have seen and heard arguments like this on the Internet.

“

Linux is just a kernel

”

This makes you confused. Is it the kernel? Is it an operating system? What's the difference between the two?

I will answer these questions of yours in this article.

Is Linux an operating system or a kernel?

Okay, Technically speaking, Linux is just a kernel, not an operating system. However, the term Linux usually refers to a complete operating system that includes a shell (such as bash) and command line and/or GUI tools to control the system. The technically correct term for this complete operating system is a Linux distribution or simply a Linux distribution. Examples of popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Debian.

Back in 1991, Linus Torvalds created nothing but kernels. Even today, he is working on the Linux kernel. He no longer codes, but oversees what code goes into the kernel.

What is the kernel?

The kernel is the center of every operating system. This isn't just a Linux thing. Windows and macOS also have kernels.

Think of the kernel as the core of the operating system. You can't live without your heart. Without the kernel, your operating system cannot exist.

However, just like the heart needs a body to live in, the kernel needs other programs and tools to make a complete operating system that people can use on their computers.

The following is the typical structure of the operating system:

The kernel is the core of interaction with hardware. The most important thing is the shell that interacts with the kernel. Then you have applications, command line and graphics, giving you various ways of using the system.

The kernel is the engine and the operating system is the car

A better analogy is to think of the kernel as the engine of a car and the operating system as the car.

You can't drive the engine, but you can't drive the car without the engine either. You need tires, steering, and other components to turn it into a car you can drive.

Again, you cannot use the kernel directly. You need a shell and then other tools and components to use the operating system.

Linux vs GNU/Linux

In similar statements, you will also encounter statements like "Linux is just a kernel, and the Linux you call is actually GNU Linux."

Even before Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991, Richard Stallman founded the free software movement and the GNU Project. The GNU project includes reimplementations of popular UNIX tools and commands such as ls, grep, sed, etc.

Typically, your Linux distribution comes with all these GNU tools on top of the Linux kernel.

That's why purists insist on calling it GNU Linux, so that people don't forget GNU's contribution and importance in the success of Linux.

at last…

*So if you are asked this question in an oral test or interview, answer "Linux is a kernel, not an operating system". Most of the time, your teacher or interviewer is looking for this answer. *

Deep down, understand the difference between the kernel and the operating system.

If someone says "I use Linux," you'll know that person is referring to the Linux distribution, not just the kernel. Sincerely, there is no need to correct someone with "Linux is just a kernel, not an operating system".

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