Once again, thanks for tuning in. Holly Shields here for Kalkine Media. What is sharding? Before
we get into it, please give our channel a sub and hit that bell icon to stay ahead of the game.
Sharding is a method of breaking up a database, network, or blockchain into smaller parts.
Sharding is sometimes referred to as horizontal partitioning.
It helps improve database performance and reduce query response time.
Sharding is not new to database management. It has been used since the evolution of centralised
databases. Sharding is possible based on data characters like breaking customer database on
geography, types, revenue, etc. Sharded groups are placed on different servers.
So why does crypto blockchain use sharding?
Crypto blockchains use sharding to overcome scalability problems. It, therefore,
improves the efficiency of the blockchain. Crypto blockchains have various nodes.
New pieces of data are added to the ledger only when all nodes are placed in agreement. Thus,
it ensures that all stored data on the blockchain is secure.
However, it becomes an issue during broader adoption as more nodes get added to the system.
Sharding groups these nodes on the blockchain grid. Each shard stores specific types of data
based on distinguishing characteristics.
Cryptocurrency blockchains can also create shards for digital tokens, smart contracts, etc.
The only necessity when creating blockchain shards is communication possibility between shards.
This enables accessibility for any node across the entire blockchain. Sharding thus ensures
better participation across the network, and ethereum uses sharding on its Ethereum network.
What are the benefits of sharding?
A major benefit of Sharding is that it assists in horizontal scaling,
which means adding more machines to an existing network. Horizontal scaling is often done to allow
for more traffic or increase processing speed. On the other hand, vertical scaling involves
upgrading existing server or hardware capabilities by optimising processing power.
Both horizontal and vertical scaling increases the flexibility of a network.
It even improves the query time on a database. With sharded databases,
queries have been searched over fewer rows and columns, and the result is obtained quickly.
Sharding also makes database or networked applications more reliable. Outage problems get
resolved, and even if they occur may affect just one shard. Thus, only one part of the database or
network gets affected and not the entire setup. What are the drawbacks of sharding?
Sharding has a lot of benefits for managing complex databases, massive networks,
and even blockchains. On the flip side, it also has a few disadvantages-
One major drawback in sharding implementation is the complexity involved. It is challenging to
create a sharded architecture based on essential characteristics, especially in complex networks.
If not appropriately done, sharding can cause data corruption
or even data loss. The implementation may also have an impact on the current workflow.
Shards can also turn out imbalanced. Since data is divided based on characteristics, eventually,
one shard may become heavier than the other. As a result, traffic on one shard network may be
more than the other. The heavier shard will thus have a higher risk from malicious attacks.
Once sharded is returning to unsharded architecture is difficult and time-consuming.
Thus, the decision of sharding must be taken after careful contemplation.
In addition, database backups must be implemented before sharding.
It will only then become possible to rebuild the original database.
Can sharding problems be fixed?
Sharding issues can be fixed by using these standard methods-
Shards must be anticipated beforehand. It will help reduce time to implement
this shard on networks that need to scale up quickly. Cryptocurrency blockchain can
significantly benefit from this as new miners and traders get added every day.
Privacy management of shards needs to be planned and implemented carefully.
In this way, independent shards will have enhanced protection from malicious attacks. In addition,
it will ensure shards don’t fail on the network. In turn, this will ensure network resilience.
Now that you’re up to speed, check out some of our other videos to boost your financial IQ.
If you like this info, give us a like, comment, and share. For regular updates and info, logon
to our website kalkinemedia.com. This has been Holly Shields for Kalkine Media.