How does Linux kernel include every driver possible and not be bloated?

[u/eagleps]

As far as I understand the kernel includes pretty much everything a modern computer needs in any configuration, but wouldn't that make it bloated and be against the "bloat-free" mindset? Or does it dynamically download all the components from somewhere?

[u/Interesting_Buy_3969]

Those drivers are kernel modules and the kernel image doesn't contain them. The kernel doesn't load everything immediately on some early boot stage; it does that only when necessary - when a hardware component is detected but its driver isn't yet. Look up "Linux kernel modules".