tikem

Tikem is a lightweight, open-source database server designed for high performance and scalability, primarily used as a storage engine for MySQL. It is a fork of the original MySQL Cluster, which was developed by MySQL AB (now part of Oracle Corporation). Tikem focuses on providing a distributed, shared-nothing architecture that enables horizontal scaling, making it suitable for applications requiring high availability and fault tolerance.

Developed by the MariaDB Foundation, Tikem is optimized for read-heavy workloads and supports in-memory data storage for improved performance. It utilizes a unique architecture where data is partitioned across multiple nodes, allowing for parallel processing and reduced latency. This design is particularly beneficial for applications that require low-latency access to large datasets, such as real-time analytics or high-traffic web services.

Tikem operates using a combination of management nodes (NDB_MGMD), data nodes (NDB_DAT), and application nodes (NDB_API). The management nodes coordinate the cluster’s operations, while data nodes store and manage the actual data. Application nodes handle client connections and distribute requests to the appropriate data nodes. This separation of roles enhances efficiency and simplifies cluster management.

One of the key advantages of Tikem is its ability to provide automatic data replication and failover, ensuring minimal downtime in the event of hardware failures. It also supports automatic partitioning of data, which helps in balancing the load across nodes and optimizing query performance. However, due to its reliance on in-memory storage, Tikem may not be ideal for applications requiring persistent disk-based storage for all data.

Tikem is compatible with standard SQL syntax and integrates seamlessly with MySQL clients and applications, making it a practical choice for organizations already using MySQL infrastructure. It is particularly well-suited for environments where high concurrency and low-latency responses are critical, such as gaming platforms, financial systems, or large-scale IoT deployments.