Distributed systems are a broad and fascinating area of computer science that involves coordinating a collection of independent computers to appear as a single coherent system. Below is a detailed overview that covers the foundational concepts, design principles, key challenges, and common algorithms used in distributed systems. 1. Introduction to Distributed Systems A distributed system is a network of independent computers (often called nodes) that work together to achieve a common goal. Unlike a centralized system, the components in a distributed system communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages over a network. Key Characteristics: Scalability: Ability to add more machines to handle increased load. Fault Tolerance: Resilience to failures of individual components. Concurrency: Multiple processes operate simultaneously. Transparency: The system hides the complexity of the distribution from users and applications. 2. Core Components of D...