Database replication is a process that allows data to be copied and synchronized between two or more databases. This can be useful in a variety of scenarios, such as improving the availability and scalability of a database or allowing multiple users to access and update the same data in real time.
In a single leader database replication setup, there is a single database that acts as the "leader" and one or more databases that act as "followers". The leader database receives all updates and writes them to its own database as well as replicating them to the follower databases. The follower databases receive these updates and apply them to their own copies of the data, ensuring that all databases are in sync.
One advantage of single-leader database replication is that it is relatively simple to set up and manage. Since there is only one database that is responsible for receiving updates, it is easy to keep track of which updates have been applied and ensure that all of the databases are kept in sync.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using a single leader database replication setup. One concern is that the leader database can become a bottleneck if it is unable to keep up with the volume of updates it receives. Additionally, if the leader database goes down, the entire replication process will be disrupted until it is brought back online.
In general, single-leader database replication is a useful tool for situations where a central source of data is needed, such as in a distributed system where multiple users need to access and update shared data. It is important to carefully consider the specific requirements of the application and the trade-offs involved in using this type of replication before implementing it in a production environment.