What is a Decentralized Database?
A decentralized database is a database that has been split into several machines to share the workload. The database uses unique algorithms that help balance incoming and outgoing requests. Decentralized databases are used when the data storage needed is more than a single piece of machinery can physically handle.
3 Different Types of Decentralized Database Models
- Blockchain is one of the most common and talked about models of a decentralized database system. It is kept secure with the help of cryptography that needs identity verification before anyone can access the master chain. Blockchains use the offline first feature, allowing each party to have a copy of the master chain they can write on and read. It also uses scaling to prevent failures from rogue nodes. They are spread across, and the more nodes added, the more trustless it becomes.
- Peer-to-peer is an older decentralized model popular from the 1990s to the early 2000s. Remember downloading mp3 files or videos? Those made use of peer-to-peer technology. It was a vulnerable model as it led to sharing copyright material all over the internet. The model is offline first, allowing users to write, save, and read data without a steady internet connection.
- Git is a decentralized model developed by the creators of Linux, an open-source operating system. The model comprises nodes that carry copies and histories of all data stored. Changes are made through “pull” and “push” requests, as the Git model is designed to monitor differences between all existing node versions. Because of its history tracking, it is convenient to retrieve data in the event of any failure or loss.
Main Advantages of a Decentralized Database
- Since the database is spread across different machines, there is a better chance of expansion when needed. Users can create new instances from suitable places without disturbing existing ones.
- With its offline first feature, there is reduced dependence on running networks, which makes it convenient to run several data flow operations even if the nodes go offline.
- Since decentralized databases use a cryptographic infrastructure, more security and reliability are present across the database. It helps prevent any unauthorized use from malicious parties and reduces the chances of node failures.
Fundamental Properties That Make a Database Decentralized
Certain features make a decentralized database function the way it does. These features help improve data flow, secure the database, and regulate all access to involved parties. It answers several questions on how data can be stored in the best way possible and provides the best solutions with a functional system.
- Offline first: In a decentralized system, one should be able to produce new instances or nodes. The party making them should also have a copy they can read or write on when necessary. With the offline first feature, there is no reliance on a network connection for such changes to occur. There is no central authority who does the reading or writes, and it is possible to create a “fork” by leaving anytime. Offline first is a part of what makes a database decentralized but does not make it a complete system.
- Sharing: The offline-first feature reduces the dependence on a network but does not make the system whole. When new nodes or instances get created, they must communicate with other existing ones to form a well-functioning system. Different sharing models are used to communicate between nodes and make the system more decentralized.
- Fault-tolerant: In a decentralized database, the system may assume nodes appear and disappear without prior warning. There are chances that users may write stale data onto the nodes, which may interrupt the smooth data flow in the system. To avoid such a situation, users create decentralized databases using an architecture that systematically maintains a list of all active nodes. It makes it convenient to avoid any failure points and makes them more identifiable in the event a failure occurs.
- Trustless: While fault-tolerant pushes the system architecture to be more resistant to avoiding failures, the trustless feature helps tackle rogue nodes or negative points that may lead to system corruption. Being devoid of a central authority, managing all nodes can be challenging. With the help of cryptography, the system can be made more secure by identifying outsiders not part of the database.
Endnote
Decentralized databases are influenced by extensive features that make the systems secure and reliable. The distribution across several machines makes it easier to expand and allows all involved parties to read and write on their own copies. Each model of a decentralized database system makes it possible for users to use functional databases and for all data flow needs.
