As the name would imply, as with the kernel of a seed, the Linux kernel is the core of a Linux operating system. Every other element of a Linux-based operating system is built around the kernel, which acts as an interface between your computer's hardware and the applications that run on it. As hardware and software applications become more complex and sophisticated, so do the kernels to fully utilise them. As such, Linux kernels are continually under development, with new revisions and versions being regularly released. Further information on the very latest developments in kernel technology can be found at The Linux Kernel Archives
The first Linux kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux. It is now an open-source project containing millions of lines of code generated by thousands of programmers. However, Linus Torvalds still has the final authority on their development and release.