Distributed computing concept in Intro to Computing - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

What is the main advantage of distributed computing?

Imagine you have a big puzzle to solve. You can either solve it alone or ask friends to help by working on different parts at the same time. What is the main advantage of using distributed computing in this example?

A It makes the puzzle easier by reducing the number of pieces.

B It uses only one computer to avoid confusion.

C It allows solving the puzzle faster by sharing the work among many computers.

D It guarantees the puzzle will be solved without any mistakes.

💡 Hint

Think about how sharing work helps finish tasks quicker.

Distributed computing splits a big task into smaller parts and runs them on multiple computers simultaneously, speeding up the overall process.

❓ trace

intermediate

Trace the message flow in a distributed system

Look at the flowchart below showing how a request moves through a distributed system with three computers (A, B, and C). Which computer processes the request last?

A Computer B

B Computer C

C Computer A

D User's device

💡 Hint

Follow the arrows in the flowchart from start to end.

The request starts at the user's device, goes to computer A, then B, and finally C, which processes it last.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Compare centralized and distributed computing

Which statement correctly compares centralized computing and distributed computing?

A Centralized computing cannot handle any failures; distributed computing never fails.

B Centralized computing is faster because it uses many computers; distributed computing uses only one computer.

C Distributed computing always requires less network communication than centralized computing.

D Centralized computing uses one main computer; distributed computing uses multiple computers working together.

💡 Hint

Think about how many computers are involved in each approach.

Centralized computing relies on a single main computer, while distributed computing spreads tasks across multiple computers.

❓ identification

advanced

Identify the challenge in distributed computing

Which of the following is a common challenge faced in distributed computing systems?

A Ensuring all computers have the same time and data (synchronization).

B Making sure only one computer is used at a time.

C Avoiding the use of networks to connect computers.

D Reducing the number of computers to one.

💡 Hint

Think about what happens when many computers work together and need to agree.

Synchronization is a key challenge because computers must coordinate their actions and data to work correctly together.

🚀 Application

expert

Determine the output of a distributed task split

A task is split into three parts and sent to three computers. Each computer returns the number of items it processed: A returns 5, B returns 7, and C returns 8. What is the total number of items processed?

A 20

B 19

C 21

D 18

💡 Hint

Add the numbers returned by each computer.

Adding 5 + 7 + 8 equals 20, which is the total number of items processed.