this is a lucid step-by-step explanation of Paxos, which additionally doesn't seem to require any particular knowledge of consensus algorithms--it provides the

this is a lucid step-by-step explanation of Paxos, which additionally doesn't seem to require any particular knowledge of consensus algorithms--it provides the background as needed. Engaging prose as well, eg: "Note that it is possible for several bids to win an auction round. In fact, every active bidder must get a bid chosen in order to decide which candidate won the round. The goal is not agreement on which bidder/bid wins the round (they all do at some point), rather which candidate wins." from a guy, who, based on his profile is maybe 20 or 21, which is a little depressing.