What type of kernel does OS X (now macOS) use?
2024
What type of kernel does OS X (now macOS) use?
Answer: C. Hybrid kernel — Correct answer: Hybrid kernel OS X (now macOS) uses the XNU kernel. XNU is classified as a hybrid kernel. Mach component: provides microkernel-style services…
- A.
Monolithic kernel with modules
- B.
Micro kernel
- C.
Hybrid kernel
- D.
More than one of the above
- E.
None of the above
Attempted by 1628 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct answer: Hybrid kernel
OS X (now macOS) uses the XNU kernel. XNU is classified as a hybrid kernel.
Mach component: provides microkernel-style services such as low-level task and memory-management support.
BSD component: provides Unix-like system services and monolithic-kernel style functionality.
Result: the design combines microkernel ideas with monolithic-kernel performance and integration.
So OS X is best described as having a hybrid kernel.