Book Structure

This book is divided into the traditional three parts. First, we start off by introducing the key ideas behind load balancing and caching—and why you should pay attention to them. In part one, we cover the basics. We take a look at the mechanics of a web site: we take each of the pieces apart one by one so you can see how they interact and the importance of their place in the puzzle. Next up is a bumper chapter on caching. We look at its past, the huge variety of caching techniques, and how to get started with a couple of the core technologies. We then look at how DNS can be used as a simple load balancing system, followed by a hands-on tutorial on getting up and running with a content delivery network (as well as what one of those is and ....