What is a database kernel?

A Database Kernel is the core component of a database management system (DBMS) responsible for managing data storage, retrieval, and manipulation at the lowest level. It handles fundamental operations such as transaction management, concurrency control, query processing, and data integrity. The kernel acts as the intermediary between the hardware and higher-level database functionalities, ensuring efficient and reliable access to data. Its performance and robustness are critical for the overall operation of the DBMS.