How does Raft work?

Can you explain how the Raft consensus algorithm works?

Sure! Raft is a consensus algorithm designed to be understandable. It helps a group of servers agree on a shared state.

What are the main components of Raft?

The main components of Raft include leaders, followers, and candidates. The leader manages the log replication.

How does Raft handle leader election?

Raft uses a randomized timer for each follower. If a follower doesn't hear from the leader, it can become a candidate and start an election.

What happens if the leader fails?

If the leader fails, the followers will notice the absence of heartbeats and initiate a new leader election.

Is Raft more efficient than Paxos?

Raft is often considered easier to understand and implement than Paxos, but efficiency can depend on the specific use case.