Distributed computing involves independent computers cooperating to solve problems too large for individual computers. Characteristics include communicating over a network without shared memory or clocks. The course covers models of distributed computation, coordination algorithms, distributed shared memory, and designing distributed file systems and algorithms for deadlocks. Students will analyze distributed algorithms and systems through assignments, exams, and discussions.

1. Distributed Computing
Dr Ilaiah Kavati
Dept. of CSE, NIT Warangal

2. Distributed System: Introduction
• Collection of independent computers that cooperate to solve a
problem that cannot be individually solved.
Ex: A large bank with branches in different corners of the world, a
super market with multiple stores in different places, etc.
• Semi-autonomous, loosely coupled, cooperate to address a
problem collectively.
• Characteristics:
– Do not share common memory or a common physical clock
– Communicate by messages passing over a communication network
– Each computer has its own memory and runs its own operating
system.

3. Pre-requisites
• Computer Networking
• Operating Systems
• Basic Computer Programming
• Data Structures
• Algorithms

4. Course Modules
• Introduction to Distributed Computing
• IPC: Message Passing System
• Models of Distributed Computation
• Causality & Logical Time
• Global State and Snapshot Recording
• Group communication & message ordering
• Distributed Mutual Exclusion and Deadlocks
• Distributed Shared Memory
• Consensus and Agreement
• Check pointing & Rollback Recovery

5. Learning Outcomes
• Understand models of distributed computing
• Analyze algorithms for coordination, communication
and synchronization in distributed systems
• Analyze distributed shared memory models
• Design and Implement distributed file systems
• Design distributed algorithms for handling deadlocks

6. Evaluation
• Multiple Choice Quiz (MCQ) Test
• Flipped classroom & Discussions
• Assignments (Online & offline)
• Minor and major exams

7. Books
Text Books:
• Distributed Computing: Principles, Algorithms,
and Systems- Ajay D. Kshemkalyani and Mukesh
Singhal
• Distributed Systems - Principles and Paradigms-
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Maarten Van Steen
Reference Book:
• Distributed Algorithms- Nancy Lynch