# CAP Theorem Explained: Consistency, Availability, Partition Tolerance  ## Metadata - Author: [[daily.dev]] - Full Title: CAP Theorem Explained: Consistency, Availability, Partition Tolerance - Category: #articles - Summary: The CAP theorem states that in distributed systems, you can only ensure two out of three properties: Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerance. System designers must choose which properties are most important, impacting system design and behavior. Understanding these trade-offs helps create reliable and efficient distributed systems. - URL: https://daily.dev/blog/cap-theorem-explained-consistency-availability-partition-tolerance ## Highlights - **Consistency**: All nodes see the same data at the same time ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jv8j3ywpwanpyasn7nrt14kp)) - **Availability**: Every working node responds to requests ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jv8j43dkk3r40hf4x7keds3t)) - **Partition Tolerance**: The system keeps working even if network issues occur ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jv8j48a94g2pghg4wqgn98qs)) - Partition tolerance means a system can work even when some parts can't talk to each other. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jv8j6bne09ce36jgndhkay8b))