The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system family. It is a free and open-source, monolithic, modular, multitasking, Unix-like operating system kernel.
Origins
Linus Torvalds began developing the Linux kernel in 1991 while a student at the University of Helsinki. He initially created it as a personal project inspired by MINIX, a small Unix-like operating system used for teaching.
Impact
Linux has become the dominant operating system kernel in several domains:
- Servers: Powers the majority of web servers[1]
- Supercomputers: Runs on 100% of the top 500 supercomputers[2]
- Mobile: Forms the foundation of Android, the world’s most popular mobile OS[3]
- Embedded Systems: Used in countless devices from routers to smart TVs
- Cloud Computing: The primary OS for major cloud infrastructure providers[4]
Development Model
The Linux kernel pioneered the open-source development model at scale. Thousands of developers from hundreds of companies contribute code[5], with Torvalds and trusted maintainers managing the integration of changes.
Legacy
Linux demonstrated that a community-developed, freely available operating system could compete with and surpass proprietary alternatives. It fundamentally changed how the software industry thinks about open source.
Sources
- W3Techs. “Usage statistics of Unix for websites.” Reports Linux powers ~80% of web servers.
- TOP500. “Operating system Family / Linux.” All 500 top supercomputers run Linux as of November 2024.
- StatCounter. “Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide.” Android holds ~70% global mobile market share.
- The Linux Foundation. “Linux Runs All of the World’s Fastest Supercomputers, Most of the Public Cloud, IoT, and More.”
- Linux Foundation. “2023 Annual Report.” Documents contributions from thousands of developers representing hundreds of companies.