What is the primary function of a bootstrap loader?

The primary function of a bootstrap loader is to load the operating system into memory. When a computer is powered on or restarted, the bootstrap loader is the first piece of code that is executed. Its role is to locate and load the operating system kernel into the system's memory so that the machine can begin functioning properly.

Once the operating system is loaded, it can take over control of the hardware and begin initializing other components, allowing the user to interact with the system and run applications. This process is crucial because without the bootstrap loader's function of loading the OS, the computer wouldn't be able to perform any tasks beyond the initial power-up phase.