Monolithic and Microkernel architectures !!!

As I said in my previous post, I am going to explain about microkernel and monolithic kernel architectures. Read my previous post to learn about kernel.

Microkernel Architecture

In the microkernel architecture the kernel provides only a necesary minimum of functionality and can be implemented in a small and compact form. Building on this microkernel, the remaining functions of the operating systems are relocated to autonomous processes communicating with the microkernel through a well defined interface.

Advantages

• Less trouble to maintain
• Individual components can work independently of each other and are easier to replace.
• Developing process is less complicated

Disadvantages

• Microkernel architecture is slower than monolithic architecture.
• Well defined interfaces are need to communicate.

Monolithic Kernel Architecture

In monolithic architecture the kernel is maintained as a single component with all the functionalities incorporated. This type of architecture is mainly used where good run time behaviour is the primary consideration.

Advantages

• Faster than microkernel architecture.
• No well defined interfaces are needed for communication as in microkernel architecture.

Disadvantages

• Difficult to maintain.
• Less stable.
• Kernel often become very huge.
• Bugs in one part of kernel produce many side effects.