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Introduction to Distributed Systems for Dummies
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Gain insights into distributed systems, learn architectural patterns like replication and sharding, and explore Apache Spark and Druid to design and develop effective distributed applications.

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Gone are the days when monolithic applications were the norm. Most applications that we use today are too complex for that type of construction. Instead, most applications that appear as a single unit are actually built as a collection of inter-operating but independent computational components. Developers are expected to have mastery over a programming language or two. Moreover, they should also know the basics of distributed systems in order to succeed. In this course, you’ll learn what a distributed system is, followed by the challenges unique to distributed systems. You’ll cover popular architectural patterns for achieving targets like replication and sharding. You’ll finish with a study of two popular distributed systems: Apache Spark and Apache Druid. With the knowledge gained through this course, you’ll be able to design and develop distributed systems. You’ll be able to make optimal design and architectural choices based on the application requirements.

Gone are the days when monolithic applications were the norm. Most applications that we use today are too complex for that type ...Show More

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Mastery over the nature of and the need for distributed systems

An understanding of the core problems in developing distributed systems

Appreciation of the challenges in distributed systems related to storage, communication, and processing

Familiarity with key architectural patterns in distributed system design

In-depth knowledge through case studies of some popular distributed systems

Mastery over the nature of and the need for distributed systems

Content

53 Lessons12 Quizzes

Introduction

5 Lessons

Step through the essentials of distributed systems and their significance for modern applications.

Welcome to the Course

What is a Distributed System?

An Example from Scratch

The Why of Distributed Systems

Quick Quiz #1: The What and Why of Distributed Systems

What Distributed Systems Achieve for Us

14 Lessons

Unpack the core of fault tolerance, reliability, availability, scalability, load balancing, and maintainability in distributed systems.

Fault Tolerance

Reliability

Handling Hardware and Software Faults

Quick Quiz #2: Fault Tolerance and Reliability

Availability

Achieving Availability

Quick Quiz #3: Availability in Distributed Systems

Scalability

Load Balancing in Distributed Systems

Load Balancing Algorithms

Measuring Load and Performance

Quick Quiz #4: Scalability and Load Balancers

Maintainability

Quick Quiz #5: Maintainability

Data in Distributed Systems

16 Lessons

Examine key concepts of data management, replication, partitioning, consistency, and caching in distributed systems.

The Rise of Data

Replication

Replication Techniques

Replication Types and Node Outages

Quick Quiz #6: Replication

Data Partitioning

Partitioning Techniques

Consistent Hashing

Quick Quiz #7: Partitioning

Consistency

Tunable Consistency

Quick Quiz #8: Consistency

Caching

Time to Leave and Eviction Policies in Caching

Writing Policies for Caching

Quick Quiz #9: Caching

Communication Between Nodes

4 Lessons

Grasp the fundamentals of database communication, microservice protocols, and asynchronous messaging in distributed systems.

Communication via Databases

Communication in Services

Communication Through Asynchronous Messages

Quick Quiz #10: Communication between Nodes

Data Processing in Large Scale

4 Lessons

Solve problems in large-scale data processing using batch and stream processing techniques.

Batch Processing

MapReduce in Batch Processing

Stream Processing

Quick Quiz #11: Data Processing in Large Scale

Distributed System Architectural Patterns

5 Lessons

Follow the process of implementing replicated, sharded, lambda, and CQRS patterns in distributed systems.

Replicated Load-Balanced Services

Sharded Services

Lambda Architecture

Command Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS)

Quick Quiz #12: Distributed Systems Architecture Patterns

Case Study 1: Apache Spark

2 Lessons

Master the steps to efficiently handle and analyze big data using Apache Spark.

Big Data and Apache Spark

Architecture of Apache Spark

Case Study 2: Apache Druid

2 Lessons

Learn how to use Apache Druid and understand its distinct OLAP database architecture.

OLTP and OLAP Databases

Architecture of Apache Druid

Conclusion

1 Lessons

Look at practical tips, resources, and encouragement for success in distributed systems.

Wrap Up!

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

Course Author:

Mottakin Chowdhury

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Introduction to Distributed Systems for Dummies Save

Introduction to Distributed Systems for Dummies
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