20 Linux Kernel Interview Questions and Answers

Linux Kernel is the core of the Linux operating system. It is responsible for managing system resources, communication between hardware and software, and security. As a result, employers often seek candidates with Linux Kernel experience when filling positions in system administration or software development. If you are interviewing for a position that uses Linux Kernel, it is important to be prepared to answer questions about your experience and knowledge. This article discusses some common Linux Kernel interview questions and how to answer them.

Linux Kernel Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Linux Kernel interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is Linux Kernel?

The Linux Kernel is the central component of the Linux operating system. It is responsible for managing the system’s resources and for providing a platform for applications to run on.

2. Why should you care about the kernel of an operating system?

The kernel of an operating system is the core of the system and is responsible for managing the resources of the system, such as memory, processors, and I/O devices. The kernel is also responsible for providing a interface between the user and the hardware.

3. What are some examples of popular kernels in use today?

Some popular kernels in use today include the Linux kernel, the Microsoft Windows NT kernel, the Apple macOS kernel, and the FreeBSD kernel.

4. Can you explain what a monolithic kernel is? How does it differ from other types of kernels like micro-kernels and hybrid kernels?

A monolithic kernel is a single, large, all-encompassing piece of software that handles all of the basic functions of an operating system. In contrast, a micro-kernel only handles the most essential tasks, delegating everything else to other software components. A hybrid kernel is somewhere in between, offering a mix of features from both monolithic and micro-kernels.

5. Can you give me an example of a real-world application that uses Linux as its underlying kernel?

The Android mobile operating system is built on top of the Linux kernel.

6. What are some benefits of using a Linux based kernel for your applications?

Some benefits of using a Linux based kernel include:
– Increased security due to the open source nature of the kernel
– Increased stability and reliability
– Support for a wide range of hardware and devices
– A large and active community of developers and users

7. What’s the difference between Open Source and Free Software?

The main difference between open source and free software is that open source software is licensed under a license that allows for modification and redistribution, while free software is licensed under a license that requires that the software be distributed without modification. This means that open source software can be used and modified by anyone, while free software can only be used without modification.

8. Can you explain what GNU/Linux is?

GNU/Linux is a free and open source operating system that is built on top of the Linux kernel. The GNU project provides many of the tools and utilities that are used in the operating system, while the Linux kernel provides the core functionality.

9. What do you understand about open source software licensing?

Open source software licenses are licenses that allow software to be freely used, distributed, and modified. Some of the most popular open source licenses are the GNU General Public License (GPL), the MIT License, and the Apache License.

10. Can you explain what GPLv2, GPLv3, Apache License 2.0, and MIT license mean?

GPLv2 and GPLv3 are both licenses created by the GNU Project. GPLv2 is the “GNU General Public License version 2”, and it was released in 1991. GPLv3 is the “GNU General Public License version 3”, and it was released in 2007. The Apache License 2.0 is a license created by the Apache Software Foundation. It was released in 2004. The MIT license is a license created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It was released in 2001.

11. What are the main features of the Linux Kernel 4.15 release?

The Linux Kernel 4.15 release includes support for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2 CPU, support for the Intel Cannonlake and Coffee Lake CPUs, support for the NVIDIA Volta GPU, and support for the AMD FreeSync 2 HDR display technology.

12. What are some important goals set by Linus Torvalds for the future development of the Linux kernel?

Linus Torvalds has set a few goals for the future development of the Linux kernel. One goal is to improve performance and scalability so that the kernel can better handle large workloads. Another goal is to improve security by making the kernel more resistant to attack and by providing better tools for security auditing. Finally, Torvalds would like to see more development work done on making the kernel easier to use and more user-friendly.

13. How can you contribute to the ongoing development of the Linux kernel?

There are a few ways in which you can contribute to the development of the Linux kernel. One way is to simply use the kernel and report any bugs that you may find. Another way is to join one of the development mailing lists and help to test and review code changes. Finally, if you are a programmer, you can submit your own code changes for inclusion in the kernel.

14. Where can I find more information on how to contribute to the Linux kernel?

The best place to start is with the official Linux Kernel website, which has a section dedicated to contributing to the kernel. There, you will find information on the process for submitting patches, as well as guidelines for coding style and other best practices. There is also a mailing list where you can discuss your patches with other developers, and get feedback before submitting them.

15. How often is the Linux kernel updated?

The Linux kernel is updated on a regular basis, with new versions being released every few months. However, it is also possible to backport security fixes and other important updates to older versions of the kernel, so that they can continue to be used on production systems.

16. Is it possible to run Windows applications on Linux? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to run Windows applications on Linux. This can be done using a Windows compatibility layer, such as Wine.

17. Do you know any famous personalities who have contributed to the Linux kernel in the past?

Some of the most famous contributors to the Linux kernel include Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, and Richard Stallman, the creator of the GNU project.

18. What kind of hardware platforms does the Linux kernel support?

The Linux kernel supports a wide variety of hardware platforms, including but not limited to: x86, x86-64, PowerPC, ARM, MIPS, and more.

19. What are some ways to improve the performance of Linux based systems?

Some ways to improve the performance of Linux based systems include:

-Tuning the kernel parameters to match the workload
-Improving I/O performance
-Improving CPU performance
-Improving memory performance
-Improving network performance

20. What are some common tools used for monitoring memory usage on a Linux system?

There are a few common tools used for monitoring memory usage on a Linux system. One is the ‘free’ command, which will show you the amount of free and used memory on the system. Another is ‘vmstat’, which will provide detailed information on memory usage, including paging and swapping. Finally, the ‘top’ command provides a real-time view of memory usage, as well as CPU and process information.