What are the differences between Paxos and Raft algorithms?

What are the differences between Paxos and Raft algorithms?

Paxos and Raft are both consensus algorithms used in distributed systems, but they differ in design and implementation. Paxos is more theoretical and complex, while Raft is designed to be more understandable and practical.

Can you explain how each algorithm works?

Sure! Paxos involves a proposer, acceptors, and learners, where the proposer suggests values and the acceptors vote on them. Raft, on the other hand, uses a leader-follower model where the leader manages log replication and ensures consistency.

Which one is more widely used in real-world applications?

Raft is often preferred in real-world applications due to its simplicity and ease of understanding, making it easier to implement and debug.

Are there any specific use cases where one is better than the other?

Yes, Paxos is often used in systems requiring high fault tolerance, like Google Chubby, while Raft is popular in systems like etcd and Consul for its ease of use.