Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

arrow_back_ios_new
MENTAL MODEL · M1469

Paxos Algorithm

Paxos Algorithm
SystemsHigh supportSystems Theory
Included
account_tree

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

The Paxos algorithm is a protocol for solving the consensus problem in distributed systems, proposed by Leslie Lamport (the 'La' in LaTeX) in 1990. It aims to enable multiple processes (nodes) to agree on a single value in an environment where the network may be delayed, nodes may fail, but messages are not maliciously tampered with. Note that Paxos is often mistakenly referred to as a 'consistency algorithm'. However, 'consistency' and 'consensus' are not the same concept. Paxos is a consensus algorithm.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The Paxos algorithm is a protocol for solving the consensus problem in distributed systems, proposed by Leslie Lamport (the 'La' in LaTeX) in 1990. It aims to enable multiple processes (nodes) to agree on a single value in an environment where the network may be delayed, nodes may fail, but messages are not maliciously tampered with. Note that Paxos is often mistakenly referred to as a 'consistency algorithm'.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

In an asynchronous network where messages may be lost and nodes may crash, reaching consensus on a value cannot rely on a single command. Paxos uses two phases: Propose (proposer sends a numbered proposal) → Promise (majority promises not to accept earlier proposals) → Accept (accept) → Learn (notify all). As long as a majority is alive, the system can always converge to the same value, achieving 'reliability from unreliability'.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/5

Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
Learning progress0%
account_treeGenealogyexpand_more
menu_bookReferencesexpand_more

Source support: Explicit

  • link
    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paxos%E7%AE%97%E6%B3%95ZH · Explicit
    verified

RELATED MODELS

Related model

Wirth's Law

Wirth's law is an adage on computer performance which states that software is getting slower more rapidly than hardware is becoming faster.

arrow_forwardRelated model

Hyrum's Law

An application programming interface (API) is a connection between computers or between computer programs. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A documen

arrow_forwardRelated model

Coriolis Force

The Coriolis force is an inertial-force term needed to describe motion in a rotating reference frame, involving the cross product of frame angular velocity and relative object velocity.

arrow_forward