What is the purpose of a bootstrap loader in a computer?

The purpose of a bootstrap loader is to locate the operating system and load it into RAM, which is crucial for starting up a computer. When a computer is powered on, the bootstrap loader is the first piece of software that runs. It initializes the hardware and locates the operating system files stored on a storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD. Once the operating system is located, the bootstrap loader transfers control to it by loading the necessary files into the computer's memory (RAM) so that the operating system can begin its functions, like managing hardware and running applications.

This process is fundamental because without the bootstrap loader performing this task, the computer would not be able to operate the operating system, leaving it in a non-functional state. It essentially sets the stage for the entire computing experience by enabling the system to boot up and be ready for user interaction.