What are some examples of partition tolerance in distributed systems?

What are some examples of partition tolerance in distributed systems?

Partition tolerance refers to a system's ability to continue operating despite network partitions. Examples include systems like Apache Cassandra and Amazon DynamoDB, which can handle node failures and still provide availability.

Can you explain how Apache Cassandra achieves partition tolerance?

Apache Cassandra uses a peer-to-peer architecture and replicates data across multiple nodes. If a partition occurs, it can still read and write data to the available nodes, ensuring that the system remains operational.

What happens if a partition occurs in a system that isn't partition tolerant?

In a non-partition tolerant system, a network partition can lead to service outages or data inconsistency, as the system may not be able to communicate with all its nodes.

Are there any trade-offs with partition tolerance?

Yes, achieving partition tolerance often involves trade-offs with consistency and availability, as described by the CAP theorem.