midCAP Theorem
How does the PACELC Theorem extend CAP?
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Short answer
It adds 'Latency' and 'Consistency' trade-offs (LC) that occur even when there is no partition (E for Else).
Deep explanation
Intermediate CAP analysis focuses on real-world database choices and consistency models. It adds 'Latency' and 'Consistency' trade-offs (LC) that occur even when there is no partition (E for Else).
Real-world example
Amazon DynamoDB using eventual consistency to ensure high availability for the 'Add to Cart' feature.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a CP system is always consistent
- it is only consistent as long as the majority (quorum) is alive.
Follow-up questions
- What is the L in PACELC?