A boot loader is a small software program that is responsible for loading and initializing an operating system on a computer. When you turn on your computer, the boot loader is typically the first software that runs. Its main function is to locate the operating system kernel and load it into memory so that it can start running.
The boot loader is often stored in a special location on the computer's storage device, such as the Master Boot Record (MBR) on a traditional hard drive or the EFI System Partition (ESP) on a computer using the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). When the computer starts up, the boot loader is loaded into memory and executed.
The boot loader is typically designed to provide a menu or user interface that allows the user to choose which operating system they want to load, especially in systems with multiple operating systems installed. It can also handle configuration options, such as specifying kernel parameters or booting into a specific mode (e.g., recovery mode).
In addition to loading the operating system, the boot loader can also perform other tasks, such as initializing hardware devices, running diagnostic checks, or executing pre-boot authentication processes. It essentially acts as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system, ensuring that the right software is loaded and started correctly.
Examples of popular boot loaders include GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) for Linux-based systems, LILO (Linux Loader), and Windows Boot Manager for Microsoft Windows. Thanks