Microkernels vs Monolithic Kernels

The cluster centers on debates about microkernel architectures versus monolithic kernels like Linux, questioning their viability with modern hardware, performance trade-offs, and examples like QNX, L4, and Minix.

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Keywords

RC MS NVRAM youtube.com PC EROS ast.jpg QNX L4 AIR kernel monolithic kernels linux micro ipc runtime hardware performance android

Sample Comments

zouhair • Sep 22, 2009 • View on HN

Now micro kernel doesn't seem that stupid after all?

happywolf • Dec 1, 2013 • View on HN

Will a micro-kernel architecture make sense now, given computation resources is no longer a bottleneck?

blackrock • Jun 18, 2020 • View on HN

Is there any hope that Linux will ever become a microkernel?

eru • Aug 21, 2019 • View on HN

You might want an exokernel, not a microkernel?

speed_spread • Aug 9, 2023 • View on HN

No, because monolithic kernels are unequivocally superior to microkernels /s

paxys • May 25, 2021 • View on HN

Damn, are microkernels finally back?

bluGill • Apr 18, 2024 • View on HN

Microkernels have pros and cons, but that isn't one.

kaba0 • Oct 3, 2022 • View on HN

Isn’t that exactly the reason behind microkernel’s supposed superiority?

NewJazz • Aug 1, 2025 • View on HN

Use a microkernel if this is your strong opinion. Linux is a monolithic kernel and includes a whole lot in kernel space for the sake of performance and (as mentioned in the article) hardware integration. A well designed microkernel may be able to provide similar performance with better security, but until people put serious work in, it won't be competitive with Linux.

AstralStorm • Sep 28, 2016 • View on HN

Time to return to that old chestnut of a microkernel vs monolithic kernel debate?