CAP Theorem Explained: What I Learned Setting Up MySQL Replication

Short summary

The CAP theorem states that distributed systems can guarantee only 2 of 3 properties: Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerance. Since network partitions are inevitable, the real design choice is between consistency and availability—demonstrated through a hands-on MySQL replication setup showing replication lag. Choose consistency for banking and locks; choose availability for social feeds and caches.

• •CAP theorem: distributed systems guarantee only 2 of 3 (Consistency, Availability, Partition Tolerance)
• •Network partitions are inevitable; real tradeoff is CP (consistent but unavailable) vs AP (available but stale)
• •Practical guidance: CP for banking/coordination systems, AP for feeds/caching; includes working MySQL demo

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