Interaction Protocols - It's All About Good Manners

Explore the fundamental role of interaction protocols in distributed and concurrent systems through this insightful 47-minute Devoxx conference talk. Delve into the history of protocols and their application in building robust distributed systems. Discover how protocols provide the foundation for essential quality attributes such as performance, resilience, and security. Learn about evolutionary biology, facial expressions, etiquette, and hygiene as they relate to system design. Examine real-world examples, including multicast protocols, MPMC queues, and API design best practices. Investigate the importance of feedback and recovery protocols in applications, as well as the concept of protocol layering. Gain valuable insights into mechanical sympathy, batching, and the pitfalls of "snake oil" protocols. Conclude by considering whether protocols might be one of the most significant human discoveries and explore the scientific method in protocol design. This talk offers a comprehensive look at the critical role of "good manners" in creating effective and efficient distributed systems.