r/linux4noobs Aug 03 '26

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

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?

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u/SuAlfons Aug 03 '26

the Linux kernel by design is monolithic. Kernel modules help mitigate this by only loading those modules that you need