Windows Kernel
The Windows Kernel is the core component of the Microsoft Windows operating system, responsible for managing system resources, hardware abstraction, process and memory management, and security. It provides the foundational services that allow applications and drivers to run on Windows-based systems, handling low-level operations such as scheduling, I/O, and interrupt handling.
Developers should learn the Windows Kernel when working on system-level programming, driver development, security research, or performance optimization for Windows environments. It is essential for creating kernel-mode drivers, debugging system issues, and understanding Windows internals for advanced software development, such as antivirus tools, virtualization software, or embedded systems.