Raft Algorithm
Raft is a consensus algorithm designed for managing a replicated log in distributed systems, ensuring that multiple servers agree on a consistent state even in the face of failures. It simplifies the understanding and implementation of consensus compared to earlier algorithms like Paxos by separating key elements such as leader election, log replication, and safety. The algorithm is widely used in distributed databases and systems to provide fault tolerance and high availability.
Developers should learn Raft when building or working with distributed systems that require strong consistency, such as distributed databases (e.g., etcd, Consul), key-value stores, or cluster management tools. It is particularly valuable for ensuring data replication and fault tolerance in scenarios where network partitions or server failures can occur, making systems more reliable and easier to debug compared to alternatives like Paxos.