Loadable Module

Definitions

1. A compiled code unit that can be loaded into a running system without restarting it — most commonly a Linux kernel module (.ko file) that adds device drivers, file systems, or network protocols to the kernel at runtime via `insmod` or `modprobe`.

   In plain English: A piece of software that can be plugged into a running system on the fly, like adding a new driver without restarting the computer.

   Example: "We ship the GPU driver as a loadable module so customers can upgrade it without rebooting their production servers."

Related Terms

• Kernel Module
• System Call
• Microkernel
• Spin Lock
• Swappiness
• Udev
• User Space
• Virtual Address Space
• BPF Security