MasterSlaveFunktion

MasterSlaveFunktion, also referred to as a Master-Slave function, is a coordination pattern in which a single component designated as the master controls one or more subordinate components designated as slaves. The master issues commands, distributes timing signals, or coordinates data flow, while the slaves respond to the master’s directives and may report status or results. This arrangement is used to organize sequencing, synchronization, and resource access in a structured way.

Common application areas include database replication, industrial automation, and distributed systems. In database replication, a master node accepts writes and propagates changes to slave or replica nodes, which serve read requests and maintain eventual consistency. In automation and motion control, a master controller sequences and coordinates actions of slave actuators or subsystems. In distributed systems, a leader node (master) coordinates followers (slaves) to ensure coordinated actions or shared state. Timing networks and clock distribution also employ master-slave concepts to provide a reference signal to slaves.

Key implementation considerations involve reliable communication, latency, and synchronization. Designers address how to handle master failure, how slaves reconnect and resynchronize, and how to maintain data consistency across nodes. Mechanisms such as heartbeat signals, acknowledgments, and failover strategies (including redundant masters) are commonly used to improve robustness.

Modern practice often seeks to replace or complement the traditional terminology with alternatives such as primary/replica or leader/follower, partly due to concerns about terminology and inclusivity. Documentation and architectures may describe the same patterns using these newer terms while preserving the functional relationships between components.