WarpUP is a high-speed kernel

Kernel (computing)

In computing, the kernel is the main component of most computer operating systems; it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel's responsibilities include managing the system's resources...

 for PowerPC

PowerPC

PowerPC is a RISC architecture created by the 1991 Apple–IBM–Motorola alliance, known as AIM...

 versions of Amiga

Amiga

The Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...

.

WarpUP forms a hardware abstraction layer between the hardware

Hardware

Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....

 and software, and ensures that the applications function correctly on PowerPC architecture. It also forms an interface between PowerPC driven hardware, and 68k compliant software, which allows the optimal exploitation of the speed of the PowerPC CPU, whilst making the porting of 68k applications as easy as possible.

A number of advantages that WarpUP claims to offer are:

• High speed communication between 68k programs and PowerPC CPUs
• Native multi-tasking, memory management, semaphores, list and tag management, signalling and message handling
• Memory protection (tasks are allowed to allocate to protected memory areas if need be)
• Virtual Signals (signals are shared between CPUs and will always be redirected to the correct CPU when needed)
• Inter-CPU messaging system (messages are passed between the CPUs when needed)
• Optimal use of the PowerPC Memory Management Unit
  Memory management unit
  A memory management unit , sometimes called paged memory management unit , is a computer hardware component responsible for handling accesses to memory requested by the CPU...
  
   and the PowerPC Cache
  Cache
  In computer engineering, a cache is a component that transparently stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster. The data that is stored within a cache might be values that have been computed earlier or duplicates of original values that are stored elsewhere...
  
  
• Memory Management Unit and Exception-Handling support for applications
• PowerSave function that turns the PowerPC off if there are no applications that are using it
• PowerPC Enforcer (protects the first page of memory)
• A detailed crash requester that provides detailed information to help developers locate errors
• Integrated debugging system that enables bug tracking easier
• Specific support for highly optimized software such as games and demos
• Support for Amiga-Compliant applications
• Libraries for PowerPC native, mixed and FAT binary applications
• WarpUP is also usable for alternative developer systems such as Modula
  Modula
  The Modula programming language is a descendent of the Pascal programming language. It was developed in Switzerland in the late 1970s by Niklaus Wirth, the same person who designed Pascal...
  
  - or E-compilers with PowerPC-support. This is because objects are not mandatorily created in ELF
  ELF
  ELF may be:Science* Electron localization function, a concept in quantum mechanics* Extremely low frequency, the band of radio frequencies from 3 to 30 HertzLinguistics...
  
  ; instead the Amiga compliant hunk format can be used as well.
• Easy to install
• Hardware independent