developer-roadmap/roadmaps/elasticsearch/content/the-split-brain-problem@Q6djSLPsTlIBfXFOsael7.md

The "Split Brain" Problem

The "split brain" problem occurs in distributed systems when a cluster of nodes becomes partitioned into two or more independent sub-clusters that are unable to communicate with each other. Each sub-cluster may then believe it is the primary cluster and start making independent decisions, potentially leading to data inconsistencies and conflicts as each sub-cluster operates as if it's the only authority. This situation can result in data loss or corruption when the partitions eventually rejoin.

Visit the following resources to learn more:

• @official@Quorum-based decision making
• @article@Avoiding the Elasticsearch split brain problem, and how to recover
• @article@Split-Brain in Distributed Systems