What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous replication?

What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous replication?

Synchronous replication means data is copied to a secondary location in real-time, ensuring both sites are always in sync. Asynchronous replication, on the other hand, allows for a delay in data transfer, which can improve performance but may risk data loss in case of a failure.

What are the advantages of using asynchronous replication?

Asynchronous replication offers lower latency and better performance, as it doesn't require immediate data transfer. It's also more flexible for geographically distributed systems.

Are there any downsides to asynchronous replication?

Yes, the main downside is the potential for data loss during a failure, as there may be a lag between the primary and secondary sites.

In what scenarios would you recommend synchronous replication?

Synchronous replication is ideal for mission-critical applications where data consistency is crucial, such as financial transactions or real-time data processing.

Can you give examples of systems that use these replication methods?

Sure! Synchronous replication is often used in databases like Oracle and SQL Server for high-availability setups, while asynchronous replication is common in cloud storage solutions like AWS S3.