Description: Kswapd is a kernel thread in Linux-based operating systems responsible for managing the swapping of memory between RAM and secondary storage, such as hard drives or SSDs. Its primary function is to ensure that there is enough available memory for running applications, thus preventing the system from running out of memory and becoming unstable. Kswapd constantly monitors memory usage and, when it detects that free memory falls below a predefined threshold, it initiates the swapping process. This involves moving inactive memory pages from RAM to swap space, thereby freeing up resources for applications that require immediate access to memory. This process is crucial for maintaining system performance, especially in environments running multiple applications or on resource-constrained systems. Kswapd operates in the background, and its activity is essential for efficient memory management, allowing the system to run smoothly and respond adequately to user and application demands.
