What This Document Is
This document serves as an introductory overview for CS 757: Distributed Systems and Algorithms at West Virginia University. It lays the foundational groundwork for understanding the core principles behind distributed systems – complex networks of independent computers working together as a single entity. The material establishes a high-level understanding of what constitutes a distributed system and the key characteristics that define them. It’s designed to be the starting point for a deeper dive into the subject.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is crucial for students beginning their study of distributed systems, as well as professionals seeking a refresher on fundamental concepts. It’s particularly valuable for anyone planning to design, implement, or manage systems that rely on multiple interconnected computers. Understanding these introductory concepts will provide a solid base for tackling more advanced topics like concurrency, fault tolerance, and scalability. If you're unsure where to begin with distributed systems, this is an excellent place to start building your knowledge.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This introductory material focuses on defining the field and outlining core goals. It does *not* delve into specific algorithms, implementation details, or practical coding examples. It provides a conceptual framework but won’t equip you with the hands-on skills needed to build a distributed system. Furthermore, it doesn’t cover specific technologies or platforms used in distributed systems development. Access to the full document is required for a comprehensive understanding.
What This Document Provides
* A formal definition of what constitutes a “distributed system.”
* An exploration of the primary goals driving the design of distributed systems.
* An overview of different types of distributed systems.
* Discussion of key concepts like transparency and scalability.
* An introduction to the importance of resource sharing and security in distributed environments.
* A foundational understanding of how distributed systems aim to present a unified experience to users.
