Raft versus Paxos: An Understandable Consensus Algorithm

The Binary Breakdown

Raft, a consensus algorithm designed for managing a replicated log in distributed systems. It aims to be more understandable than Paxos, a widely used but complex alternative, while achieving equivalent efficiency and safety. Raft separates key consensus elements like leader election, log replication, and safety, using techniques such as problem decomposition and state space reduction to enhance clarity. The document describes the algorithm's server states (leader, follower, candidate), time divided into terms, and communication through RPCs for leader election, log replication, and eventually log compaction and client interaction. A user study is presented as evidence of Raft's improved understandability compared to Paxos.