A Crash Course on Distributed Systems

A distributed system is a collection of computers, also known as nodes, that collaborate to perform a specific task or provide a service.

These nodes are physically separate and communicate with each other by passing messages over a network. Distributed systems can span geographical boundaries, enabling them to utilize resources from different locations.

Distributed systems have several characteristics that distinguish them from traditional centralized systems:

• The computers in a distributed system are physically separate and connected via a network. They do not share a memory or a common clock.

• From an external perspective, a distributed system appears as a single, unified entity to the end user.

• Distributed systems offer the flexibility to add or remove computers from the system.

• The nodes in a distributed system need to coordinate and agree with each other to perform actions consistently.

• Nodes in a distributed system can fail independently, and messages can be lost or delayed over the network.

Distributed systems are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Examples include large web applications like Google Search, online banking systems, multiplayer games, etc. These systems leverage the power of multiple computers working together to provide a seamless and responsive user experience.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of distributed systems. We will also discuss common approaches and techniques used to address these challenges and ensure the reliable operation of distributed systems.

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Understanding Distributed Systems 

The term “distributed systems” can sometimes confuse developers.