Paxos-Algorithm

The Paxos-Algorithm is a foundational protocol used to achieve Consensus in a Distributed-System. It was famously introduced by Leslie-Lamport to ensure that a group of processors can agree on a single value even if some nodes or network links fail. The algorithm is the theoretical basis for many modern distributed databases and coordination services.

The protocol operates through three distinct roles: Proposers, Acceptors, and Learners. The execution is typically divided into two main phases. In the Prepare-Phase, a Proposer sends a unique proposal number to a majority of Acceptors. If the number is the highest seen, the Acceptors promise to reject lower-numbered proposals. In the Accept-Phase, the Proposer requests that the Acceptors accept a specific value. Once a Quorum of Acceptors accepts the value, it becomes the chosen result.

Real-world implementations of the Paxos-Algorithm are found in high-availability systems such as Google-Chubby and Apache-ZooKeeper. While often considered difficult to implement, it remains a gold standard for Fault-Tolerance and State-Machine-Replication. For more technical depth, see the original paper by Leslie Lamport or the Wikipedia overview of Paxos.

• Raft-Consensus-Algorithm
• Byzantine-Fault-Tolerance
• Distributed-Computing
• Consistency-Models