What is the name of the initial process launched during Linux kernel boot?

The initial process that starts when the Linux kernel loads is called init. It is the first process in the system and has PID 1. init is responsible for system initialization, starting services, and preparing the environment for users.

In modern Linux distributions, the systemd initialization system is often used, replacing the traditional init, but the concept of the first process with PID 1 remains. This process is started by the kernel and then launches other system processes and services.