Distributed System Design and Fallacies

This article is part of the serie: distributed-systems

Posted Feb 12, 2024
By Balázs HIDEGHÉTY
1 min reading time

Distributed applications (APIs)? Avoid technical hiccups! Break free from misconceptions and build truly resilient distributed systems!


In our previous post, we introduced that when writing modern (distributed) applications, extra care is needed.

Before we move on to the usual integration patterns (in the next post), let’s discuss something important that we often forget when forging modern applications.

Yes, I’m thinking of the fallacies of distributed systems.

Addressing the fallacies of distributed systems isn’t just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about implementing practical solutions. Whether you’re a developer aiming for resilient architectures, a CEO concerned about business continuity, or a non-tech founder eager to navigate the tech landscape, understanding and applying proven strategies is crucial.

Who better to enlighten us on this subject than  Udi Dahan, the author of NServiceBus? Let’s extend a warm welcome to another favorite author of mine.

Watch ‘Fallacies of Distributed Systems #1 - #8’ on YouTube.


But the fallacies are just the start. If you are interested in learning more about distributed system design, I strongly advise you to take this course:

Learn Advanced Distributed Systems Design • Particular Software


Sneak peek:

Fallacies of Distributed Systems #2: Latency is Zero - One of the fallacies of distributed systems is that latency is zero. In reality, it can take much longer for data to travel between two machines than it does to perform a local operation. Crossing geographical boundaries? Expect even more delay. This can be a major problem for applications that need to be fast and responsive.


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Further Reading
Microservices Communication and Conversation Patterns

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Designing Microservices the Right Way

Remember, business goals are rarely about having a top-notch system!

Finally, we have arrived at the point where we can discuss the pinnacle of modern software architecture: microservices.

Simple API - Integration Problems and Patterns

Even the simplest distributed system – yes, even integrating against a single API – can pose significant challenges (more than 80% of solutions that SMEs have). Mind-blowing, right!?