> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dianadarie.gitbook.io/system-design-notes/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dianadarie.gitbook.io/system-design-notes/basics/key-characteristics-of-distributed-systems.md).

# Key Characteristics of Distributed Systems

*= a set of loosely-coupled components that can be deployed and scaled independently called services.*

* **Stability** or **Serviceability** or **Manageability** = s*implicity and speed with which a system can be repaired or maintained.*
* **Reliability** *= probability a system will fail in a given period*. A distributed system is considered reliable if it keeps delivering its services even when one or several of its software or hardware components fail.
* **Scalability** *=* *capability of a system, process, or a network to grow and manage increased demand.*
* **Efficiency/Performance** = *response time* (or latency = delay to obtain the first item) + *throughput* (or bandwidth = the number of items delivered in a given time unit)
* **Availability** = *simple measure of the percentage of time that a system, service, or a machine remains operational under normal conditions.*
* **Fault tolerance** and **Catastrophe-preparedness**