Distributed Databases Questions Medium
Distributed data independence refers to the ability to modify the distribution of data in a distributed database system without affecting the application programs or queries that access the data. It allows for changes in the distribution of data across multiple nodes or sites in the distributed database without requiring modifications to the application logic or queries that interact with the data.
In a distributed database system, data is typically distributed across multiple nodes or sites for improved performance, scalability, and fault tolerance. Distributed data independence ensures that the distribution of data can be changed or reorganized without impacting the functionality or performance of the applications that rely on the data.
This independence is achieved through the use of a distributed database management system (DDBMS) that abstracts the physical distribution of data from the logical view presented to the applications. The DDBMS handles the complexities of data distribution, replication, and synchronization, allowing applications to access and manipulate the data without being aware of its physical location.
By providing distributed data independence, a distributed database system offers flexibility and adaptability. It allows for changes in the distribution strategy, such as adding or removing nodes, redistributing data, or changing replication schemes, without requiring modifications to the application code. This reduces the maintenance effort and minimizes the impact of changes on the overall system.
Overall, distributed data independence is a crucial aspect of distributed databases as it enables the system to evolve and adapt to changing requirements and environments without disrupting the applications that rely on the data.