Non-Redundant Systems
Non-redundant systems are computing or engineering systems designed without backup components or failover mechanisms, meaning they have no redundancy to handle failures. This approach prioritizes simplicity, lower cost, and minimal resource usage, but increases the risk of single points of failure leading to system downtime or data loss. It is often contrasted with redundant systems, which incorporate duplicate elements to enhance reliability and availability.
Developers should understand non-redundant systems when designing applications where cost, complexity, or resource constraints outweigh the need for high availability, such as in low-budget prototypes, non-critical internal tools, or simple personal projects. This concept is crucial for making informed trade-offs in system architecture, helping to avoid over-engineering in scenarios where occasional downtime is acceptable, such as in development environments or small-scale hobbyist setups.