beginnertechnical

Distributed Systems

Definition

A distributed system is a collection of independent computers connected by a network that appear as a single coherent system to users. Each node has local memory and operates asynchronously without centralized control.

Example

Bitcoin is a distributed system where thousands of nodes maintain the network together.

Related Terms

Node

A computer that stores a full copy of the Bitcoin blockchain and helps verify transactions and blocks.

Blockchain

A public, distributed ledger that records all Bitcoin transactions in chronological order.

Decentralization

A system design where control and decision-making are distributed across many independent participants rather than concentrated in one central authority.

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