Description: Oom Killer is a feature of the Linux kernel designed to efficiently manage memory, especially in resource-scarce situations. Its name comes from ‘Out of Memory Killer’, which translates to ‘out of memory killer’. This functionality is activated when the operating system detects that the RAM is nearly fully occupied and there is not enough space for running processes to continue operating effectively. In such circumstances, Oom Killer selects and terminates one or more processes based on specific criteria, such as memory usage, process priority, and execution time. This action helps to free up memory and maintain system stability, preventing freezes or crashes. Oom Killer is particularly relevant in various operating systems and embedded systems, where resource management is critical. Although its intervention can result in data loss or service interruptions, its goal is to preserve the overall functionality of the system, prioritizing essential processes and minimizing the impact on overall performance. The implementation of Oom Killer is an example of how modern operating systems handle the complexity of memory management in multitasking environments, ensuring that resources are used optimally and that the system remains operational even under adverse conditions.
History: Oom Killer was introduced in the Linux kernel in 2000, in response to the need for more effective memory management in systems facing resource scarcity. As Linux gained popularity in servers and embedded systems, it became evident that memory management was crucial for maintaining system stability. Since its introduction, Oom Killer has evolved with various improvements and adjustments to its process selection algorithm, adapting to the changing needs of users and emerging hardware characteristics.
Uses: Oom Killer is primarily used in various operating systems to manage memory in critical situations. It is especially useful in servers running multiple applications and in embedded devices where resources are limited. Its function is to ensure that the system remains operational by freeing memory from non-essential processes, allowing critical applications to continue running.
Examples: An example of Oom Killer’s use can be seen in a web server experiencing a sudden spike in traffic, leading to excessive memory consumption. In this case, Oom Killer might terminate lower-priority processes, such as background data analysis services, to free up memory and allow the web server to continue operating without interruptions.
