Unix-like systems can use a RAM disk or network shared resource as its root directory.
Support for this type of RAM disk is completely optional within the kernel configuration file.
Like a RAM disk in a computer: every time you cut power by going to sleep, all the data vanished.
I use it to extract application archives to the built-in RAM disk prior to installation.
Back in the day you could configure a RAM disk as your boot drive.
RAM disks work at electronic, not mechanical, speed and they make hard disks seem pokey.
Could you put a pagefile in a RAM disk?
It passes to the kernel information about the RAM disk and its location.
The system supported both hard and floppy drives as well as RAM disks in the computer's memory.
This would serve as a RAM disk and allow all modules to be loaded quickly.