Linux is the kernel. You can download it at kernel.org.

There are several boot loaders, but the best known one is Grub.

To clarify the confusion, Mint is a Linux-based distribution. It is Linux, plus the GNU Compiler Collection, the X Window System, and 1,000s of other programs all rolled together into an operating system.

Perhaps before developing your own operating system, you should start with Linux from Scratch to better understand the pieces involved.

Linux is the kernel. You can download it at kernel.org.

There are several boot loaders, but the best known one is Grub.

To clarify the confusion, Mint is a Linux-based distribution. It is Linux, plus the GNU Compiler Collection, the X Window System, and 1,000s of other programs all rolled together into an operating system.

Perhaps before developing your own operating system, you should start with Linux from Scratch to better understand the pieces involved.