Difference Between Microkernel and Monolithic Kernel

In this post, we will understand the difference between microkernel and monolithic kernel −

Microkernel

• It is smaller in size.

• In this kernel, the services are kept in a separate address space.

• It executes slowly in comparison to monolithic kernel.

• It can be extended easily.

• If a service crashes, it effects the working of the microkernel.

• The code to build a microkernel is large.

• Examples of microkernel include: QNX, Symbian, L4Linux, Singularity, K42, Integrity, PikeOS, HURD, Minix, Mac OS X, and Coyotos.

Monolithic Kernel

• In monolithic kernel, both user services and kernel services are kept in the same address space.

• Monolithic kernel is larger than microkernel.

• It executes quickly in comparison to microkernel.

• It is difficult to extend a monolithic kernel.

• If a service crashes, the entire system crashes when a monolithic kernel is used.

• Less code is required to build a monolithic kernel.

• Examples of monolithic kernel include: Linux, BSDs (FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD), OS-9, AIX, HP-UX, DOS, OpenVMS, XTS-400, Microsoft Windows (95,98,Me), and Solaris.