What are the differences between Raft and Paxos?

What are the differences between Raft and Paxos?

Raft and Paxos are both consensus algorithms used in distributed systems, but they have different approaches. Raft is designed to be more understandable and easier to implement, while Paxos is more complex but has been around longer. Would you like to know more about their specific mechanisms?

Yes, please explain how Raft works.

Raft works by electing a leader node that manages the log replication process. Other nodes follow the leader and apply the same log entries in the same order, ensuring consistency. It also includes mechanisms for leader election and log compaction. Do you want to compare this with how Paxos operates?

Definitely, how does Paxos handle consensus?

Paxos operates through a series of proposals and accepts votes from a majority of nodes. It requires multiple rounds of communication, which can make it more complex. Unlike Raft, it doesn't have a designated leader, which can lead to more overhead in certain scenarios. Would you like to dive deeper into their use cases?

Yes, what are the typical use cases for each?

Raft is often used in systems where simplicity and understandability are key, like in databases and cloud services. Paxos is used in more complex systems that require high availability and fault tolerance, such as Google’s Chubby lock service. Would you like to explore specific implementations?