The NeKernel System - A Primer (1)

Attention

The NeKernel Primer is now available at NeKernel.org.

Abstract

This blog will lead you through the basics of the NeKernel operating system, its architecture, and its use cases.

NeKernel by example: The Systems Architecture

NeKernel is designed with a modular architecture that allows for easy customization and scalability. The core components include:

• Microkernel: Handles low-level tasks such as memory management, process scheduling, and inter-process communication.
• User Space: Contains user applications and services that run on top of the microkernel.
• Device Drivers: Modular drivers that can be loaded and unloaded as needed, providing support for various hardware components.

NeKernel by example: The ErrorOr monad

One of the key features of NeKernel is its robust error handling mechanism using the ErrorOr type. This type encapsulates either a successful result or an error, allowing for safer and more predictable code.

Those error codes are defined in the KPC protocol. Which is located at KPC.h

ErrorOr<PTEWrapper> pteWrapper = Pmm.GrabPage(addr);

if (pteWrapper.HasError())
{
    return /* Your error handling goes there. */
}

Uses cases of NeKernel

• Base OS: NeKernel can serve as the foundation for various operating systems, providing a stable and efficient core.
• Embedded Systems: Its modular design makes it suitable for embedded systems where resources are limited
• Research and Development: NeKernel's open architecture allows researchers to experiment with new OS concepts and designs.

Implementation

The implementation of NeKernel is open-source and can be found on GitHub: NeKernel System Repository.