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?