What Do You Mean by a “Distributed Database?”

In the rapidly evolving field of distributed databases, defining the concept is complex due to the lack of standardized definitions, much like with NoSQL databases. A distributed database operates on a network of multiple nodes, which may involve strategies like sharding, where data is divided among nodes, or replication, where full copies of data exist on each node to enhance availability and reliability. The architecture can vary from traditional primary-replica setups to more modern peer-to-peer leaderless topologies that promote high availability and eliminate single points of failure. Consistency levels play a crucial role, ranging from strong consistency with immediate synchronization to eventual consistency, which allows for temporary data discrepancies. Advances in auto-sharding and topology awareness, such as rack and datacenter awareness, further enhance the scalability and robustness of distributed databases. The article encourages further exploration through webinars and courses to understand how these principles apply to various systems, including ScyllaDB.