Replication generally refers to the reproduction of a set of data, a file or a program in another location. That means that every item and section of whatever makes up the overall data in question is copied, transferred, moved, downloaded or otherwise reproduced in a new location. In the context of a spreadsheet program like Excel, it means the copying of a formula across the sheet.
Technipages Explains Replication
For example, it can mean copying into neighboring cells, while the program automatically adjusts the cell references so that the formulas still work correctly relative to their new locations. Here, it’s the formulas that are reproduced, in slightly different circumstances – in order to still make them viable in a new environment.
As for the main meaning of replication – it refers both to the replication of physical files, and the replication of a set of data in a client/server network where it is reproduced on another computer for backup and security purposes. It can also refer to database management software, where a set of data is reproduced to another server in order to decrease the time it takes to access particularly highly trafficked servers and to make data available in remote locations.
The most classic setup in the case of database replication is that a primary storage location is connected to a secondary location that is often off-site through some sort of application that creates multiple copies in the secondary location. This can have several advantages – among other things, it means that there are backups available readily, and experiments and unchecked changes can be done more easily than they could on a live system.
Common Uses of Replication
- Early instances of database replication were typically set up as master-slave configurations.
- Database replication tools that work with various databases include Attunity Replicate, Informatica Data Replication, Attunity Replicate and Quest SharePlex.
- There are three different replication methods: Snapshot, merge and transactional replication.
Common Misuses of Replication
- Replication refers to the partial reproduction of a set of data in an off-site location.
