Distributed Systems

The book "Distributed Systems" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Maarten van Steen is a comprehensive guide to the principles and paradigms of distributed systems. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Introduction to Distributed Systems:

   • The book begins by explaining the distinction between distributed and decentralized systems, highlighting the relevance of this distinction in modern computing.
   • It covers the design goals of distributed systems, including resource sharing, distribution transparency, openness, and dependability.

2. Principles of Distributed Systems:

   • The authors identify seven key principles of distributed systems, including resource sharing, distribution transparency, openness, dependability, and more.
   • These principles are extensively illustrated with real-world examples to help readers understand their practical applications.

3. Architectures and Organization:

   • A new chapter on architectures addresses the organization of distributed systems, reflecting the progress made in this area.
   • The book discusses various architectural styles and how they impact the design and operation of distributed systems.

4. Decentralized Systems and Peer-to-Peer Computing:

   • The book includes extensive material on decentralized systems, particularly focusing on peer-to-peer computing. It covers basic techniques and their applications such as file sharing, information dissemination, content-delivery networks, and publish/subscribe systems.

5. Advanced Topics:

   • The authors also cover advanced topics such as sensor networks, virtualization, server clusters, and Grid computing. Special attention is paid to self-management of distributed systems as they scale.

6. Consistency and Replication Models:

   • The book modernizes the material on consistency and replication models, focusing on models more appropriate for modern distributed systems rather than the original models.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to explaining the concepts and principles of distributed systems. It starts with an introduction to the basics of distributed systems, then delves into the key principles, architectural considerations, and advanced topics. Each chapter is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter, supported by real-world examples and practical applications.

Critical Reception

• Goodreads Review: The book is praised for providing a great overview of distributed systems, covering both theory and real-life examples. However, some reviewers note that some examples are a bit outdated.
• Educational Use: The book is highly recommended for developers, software engineers, and architects who need an in-depth understanding of distributed systems. It is also noted for its ability to encourage critical thinking beyond mere learning by the book.

Editions

• 3rd Edition (2017): This edition thoroughly revised and extended the material, integrating principles and paradigms into nine chapters. It includes example programs in Python and is available in various formats including slides, LaTeX sources, and source code.
• 4th Edition (2025): The latest edition includes various small corrections and updates, maintaining the comprehensive coverage of distributed systems principles and paradigms.

In summary, "Distributed Systems" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Maarten van Steen is a seminal work in the field, offering a detailed and structured approach to understanding the principles and paradigms of distributed systems. Its critical reception is positive, with a strong recommendation for those seeking an in-depth understanding of this complex topic.