MINIX is a small, lightweight operating system designed for educational purposes and research. Created by Andrew S. Tanenbaum in 1987, it serves as a teaching tool for understanding operating system concepts. Its microkernel architecture allows for easy modification and experimentation, making it popular among students and developers. Despite its primary role in education, MINIX has influenced other operating systems, notably Linux. Its design principles emphasize simplicity and clarity, which help users grasp complex topics in operating systems. Today, MINIX continues to be used in various embedded systems and as a foundation for further research in operating system development.