Lambda Architecture
Explore the lambda architecture pattern used in distributed systems to handle large-scale data processing. Understand how the speed layer enables real-time analytics with approximate results, while the batch layer ensures accurate, error-free reports through scheduled processing. Discover the role of the serving layer in delivering data to users and evaluate the advantages and challenges of this complex architecture for building scalable, reliable backend systems.
We'll cover the following...
In this chapter, the two patterns we have seen so far are pretty simple in terms of conceptual understanding. In this lesson, we will explore a more complicated architectural pattern called lambda architecture. It is an architecture suitable for many data-heavy systems.
Let’s dive in.
Lambda architecture overview
Like many of our previous lessons, we will discuss architecture with an example. Let’s look at the following scenario.
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We are building the backend system for an IoT device producing company with a large user base.
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The company needs real-time analytics on the performance and usage of its devices. But it’s okay to have a small fraction of inaccuracy in this case.
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On the other hand, the company also requires 100% accurate analytics on the data. But this requirement does not have to be fulfilled in real-time. In fact, for this use case, generating daily or weekly reports is sufficient. But note that there should not be any error in the reports for any reason, whether due to data duplication or data loss.
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From the client ...