Web Kernel

Web Kernel is an experimental runtime layer inspired by the core concepts of operating system kernels. While it is not a real kernel, it is designed to feel like one, focusing on structure, control and clarity without relying on shiny frameworks.

The idea originated while I am studying how OS kernels manage processes, states and system coordination.

As applications grow, scripting often becomes duplicated, tightly coupled, and hard to reason about. Web kernel explores whether a central control layer can manage programs, events and requests in a structured and predictable manner, while keeping the system minimal and extensible.

Philosophy

• Structure programs, events, and requests without relying on frameworks.
• Enable scripting using Javascript/Typescript.
• Reduce duplication in execution and orchestration logic.
• Follow lifecycle-based design for programs and requests.

What web kernel is (and isn't)

What it is

• A runtime coordination layer.
• A structured way to manage programs.
• A state-aware execution controller.
• A foundation for custom architecture.

What it is not

• A web framework.
• A replacement for React, Vue, Express, etc.
• A dependency-heavy abstraction layer.
• A magic solution for bad architecture.

Quickstart

To install web kernel, either install through npm or directly incldue the script.

Install through npm :

npm install @devyuha/jkernel

To initialize the kernel :

import { Kernel } from "@devyuha/jkernel";

// Initialize the kernel
window.kernel = new Kernel();

// Run programs on boot
window.kernel.onBoot((k) => {
    k.start("program-name");
});

// Run boot() method to boot the kernel
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => {
    window.kernel.boot();
});

Programs

Programs are first-class execution units, similar to processes in an OS.

Each Program :

• Has a defined lifecycle.
• Can be executed, tracked and observed.
• Exists independently of framework logic.

To create and initialize programs :

export default class MyProgram {
    onStart(args) {
        console.log("My Program is started :: ", args);
    }

    onDestroy() {
        console.log("My Program is destroyed");
    }
}

// Register programs by passing program object and a name.
window.kernel.registerPrograms({
    "program-name": MyProgram
});

Run programs from kernel :

// Run program using kernel
// Arguments can be passed in start() method.
// Arguments are optional
window.kernel.start("program-name", {})

Run programs on kernel startup :

// Run programs on startup using onBoot() method
window.kernel.onBoot((k) => {
    k.start("program--name");
});

Events

• Events represent signals within the system.
• Used to communicate between programs without tight coupling.
• Help reduce duplication in cross-program communication.

Fire events from kernel :

// Fire events using kernel
window.kernel.emit("kernel:test", {
    name: "Naruto Uzumaki",
    age: 18,
    residence: "Konoha village"
});

To listen to events from kernel :

// Add event listener
const listener = window.kernel.on("kernel:test", (e) => {
    console.log("Kernel test event fired :: ", e.detail);
});

// Remove the defined listener
listener();

// To listen to event only once
window.kernel.once("kernel:test", (e) => {
    console.log("Kernel test event fired :: ", e.detail);
});

Request

Requests can be used for API calls.

Request Types :

• GET
• POST
• PUT
• PATCH
• DELETE

Create Request :

import { Request } from "/dist/index.js";

export default class GetPosts extends Request {
    get url() {
        return "https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts";
    }

    get method() {
        return "GET";
    }

    get headers() {
        // Headers can be defined here
        return {}
    }

    get payload() {
        // Request payload can be defined here
        return {}
    }
    
    onProcessing() {
        // Runs while request is running
        console.log("Get posts is processing");
    }

    onSuccess(response) {
        // When request is succeeded
        console.log("Get posts is success :: ", response);
    }

    onError(error) {
        // When request is error
        console.error("Get Posts is error :: ", error);
    }
}

Register request on kernel :

window.kernel.registerRequest({
    "get-posts": GetPosts
});

Run request using kernel :

window.kernel.send("get-posts");

Contributing

Web kernel is an experimental project. Contributions are welcome for experimentation, improvements, and exploration of ideas.

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a new branch from develop.
3. Make your changes with clear, focused commits.
4. Ensure existing functionality is not broken.
5. Submit a pull request to the develop branch.
6. Describe what has changed and why.

License

MIT License