What is the kernel of an operating system?

The kernel of an operating system is indeed the central component responsible for resource management. It acts as a bridge between applications and the hardware of a computer, managing both system resources and communication between hardware and software. The kernel oversees critical functions such as process management, memory management, device management, and system calls, ensuring that the operating system functions efficiently and reliably.

By controlling how the processor, memory, and input/output systems interact, the kernel ensures that applications can run concurrently while effectively utilizing the hardware. This includes scheduling processes so that they can share the CPU, managing memory allocation, and facilitating the communication between peripherals and software applications. The design and implementation of the kernel are fundamental in defining the performance and capabilities of an operating system.