Kernel Programming
Kernel programming involves writing code that runs in the kernel space of an operating system, such as Linux, Windows, or macOS, to directly manage hardware resources, system calls, and core OS functions. It focuses on developing device drivers, system modules, and low-level system software that interact with the CPU, memory, and peripherals. This requires deep understanding of operating system internals, hardware interfaces, and concurrency management.
Developers should learn kernel programming when working on embedded systems, operating system development, or performance-critical applications that require direct hardware access or custom system behavior. It is essential for creating device drivers for new hardware, optimizing system performance, or implementing security features at the OS level, such as in cybersecurity tools or real-time systems.