What are the differences between message queues and publish-subscribe systems?

What are the differences between message queues and publish-subscribe systems?

Message queues are point-to-point communication systems where messages are sent from one producer to one consumer. In contrast, publish-subscribe systems allow messages to be broadcast to multiple subscribers.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use message queues for tasks like order processing where each order should be handled individually. Use pub-sub for real-time notifications, like news updates, where multiple users need to receive the same information.

What are the advantages of using a pub-sub system?

Pub-sub systems offer scalability, as they can handle many subscribers without impacting performance. They also promote loose coupling between components, making the system more flexible.

Are there any downsides to using message queues?

Yes, message queues can introduce complexity in managing message states and ensuring delivery. They may also lead to bottlenecks if not properly scaled.