You’ll have heard this in plenty of boards and discussions on the web.
Linux is only a kernel
And that made you curious. Is it a kernel? Is it an working system? What is the distinction between the 2?
I will reply these questions on this fast explainer.
Is Linux an OS or kernel?
Properly, technically, Linux is only a kernel, not an working system. Nonetheless, the time period Linux is commonly referred to a whole working system that features a shell (like bash) and command line and/or GUI instruments to regulate the system. The technically appropriate time period for this entire working system is Linux distribution or just Linux distro. Examples of standard Linux distributions embrace Ubuntu, Pink Hat, and Debian.
Again in 1991, what Linus Torvalds created was the kernel solely. Even at this time, he works on the Linux kernel. He would not code anymore however supervises which code goes into the kernel.
Kernel, what?
The kernel is on the middle of each working system. It is not only a Linux factor. Home windows and macOS have kernels too.
Consider the kernel as the center of an working system. You can’t stay with out your coronary heart. Your working system can not exist with no kernel.
Nonetheless, similar to a coronary heart wants a physique to stay in, the kernel wants different packages and instruments to make a whole working system that folks can use on their computer systems.
This is the everyday construction of an working system:
The kernel is on the core interacting with the {hardware}. On high of that lies the shell that interacts with the kernel. After which you’ve got functions, command line and graphical, to present you numerous methods of utilizing the system.
Kernel is the engine, OS is the automotive
A greater analogy is to think about the kernel because the engine of a automotive and the working system because the automotive.
You can’t drive an engine however you may also not drive a automotive with out the engine. It’s essential to have tires, steering, and different elements to show it right into a automotive you may drive.
Equally, you can not use the kernel immediately. You want shell after which different instruments and elements to make use of the working system.
I’ve written an in-depth article with this analogy. I’m not going to repeat all of it. Should you appreciated the analogy, do learn the article 👇
What’s Linux? Why There are 100’s of Linux OS?
Can’t determine what’s Linux and why there are such a lot of of Linux? This analogy explains issues in a less complicated method.
Linux vs GNU/Linux
On an identical line, you will additionally come throughout statements like ‘Linux is only a kernel, what you might be referring to as Linux is definitely GNU Linux“.
Even earlier than Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991, Richard Stallman created the Free Software program motion and the GNU undertaking. The GNU undertaking encompasses the reimplementation of standard UNIX instruments and instructions like ls, grep, sed, and many others.
Sometimes, your Linux distribution comes with all these GNU instruments on high of the Linux kernel.
That is why purists insist on calling it GNU Linux so that folks do not forget the contribution and significance of GNU within the success of Linux.
Ultimately…
So, if you’re requested this query in viva or interview, reply with ‘Linux is a kernel, not an working system’. Largely your instructor or interviewer is in search of that reply.
However deep down, perceive the distinction between the kernel and the working system.
If somebody says, “I exploit Linux”, you perceive that the particular person is referring to a Linux distribution, not simply the kernel. And sincerely, there is no such thing as a have to appropriate somebody with ‘Linux is only a kernel, not an working system’.
