Apache Cassandra is a highly scalable, distributed NoSQL database that is known for its fault-tolerance and linear scalability. If you are a web developer looking to explore the source code of Cassandra DB, here are some key points to consider:

Architecture Overview

• Data Model: Cassandra uses a decentralized, distributed, and fault-tolerant architecture. It is based on a masterless design where each node in the cluster is equal and data is distributed across all nodes.

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• Partitioning: Cassandra uses consistent hashing to distribute data across multiple nodes in the cluster. This allows for horizontal scaling by adding more nodes to the cluster.

• Replication: Data in Cassandra is replicated across multiple nodes to ensure fault-tolerance and high availability. The replication strategy can be configured based on the desired level of consistency and performance.

Key Components

• Gossip Protocol: Cassandra uses a gossip protocol for node discovery and communication. Nodes exchange information about the state of the cluster through gossip messages.

• Storage Engine: Cassandra uses a log-structured storage engine to efficiently write data to disk. It stores data in immutable files called SSTables and uses a commit log for durability.

• CQL: Cassandra Query Language (CQL) is the primary interface for interacting with Cassandra. It is a SQL-like language that allows users to create, read, update, and delete data in the database.

Data Distribution

• Token Ring: Cassandra uses a token ring to evenly distribute data across the cluster. Each node is assigned a range of tokens, and data is stored on the node responsible for that token range.

• Consistency Levels: Cassandra supports tunable consistency levels to control the trade-off between consistency and availability. Developers can choose the appropriate consistency level for each read or write operation.

• Compaction: Cassandra periodically runs compaction processes to merge and compact SSTables. This helps to reclaim disk space and improve read performance by reducing the number of disk seeks.

Exploring the source code of Apache Cassandra can provide valuable insights into how distributed databases work and how they achieve scalability and fault-tolerance. By understanding the key components and architectural principles of Cassandra, developers can better leverage its capabilities for building robust and scalable web applications.