The kernel is the core, fundamental components of an operating system. In the case of Arvo, it is arvo.hoon, its vanes (kernel modules), and associated libraries. The code for Arvo's kernel is located in the /sys directory of the %base desk. "Kernelspace" is contrasted with "userspace", which includes agents, threads, generators, front-end resources and other non-kernel files in Clay.
Further reading
- Arvo overview: Technical overview of Arvo.