exokernel - TarisMajor/5143-OpSystems GitHub Wiki

Exokernel

An exokernel is an operating system architecture that exposes the hardware resources directly to user applications. Unlike traditional kernels, which abstract hardware access, exokernels aim to provide minimal abstractions, allowing applications to directly control system resources like memory and devices. This gives developers fine-grained control over system performance, enabling highly optimized applications.

Exokernels are suitable for specialized use cases where performance is critical, but they require developers to handle many low-level details. The Aegis exokernel, developed at MIT, is a well-known example of this architecture.

Sources:

Kaashoek, M. F., et al. (1997). Exokernel: An Operating System Architecture for Application-Level Resource Management. Tanenbaum, A. S. (2001). Modern Operating Systems.