In distributed systems, coordination is hard—really hard—especially when both parties depend on mutual confirmation to proceed, but there’s no guarantee their messages will arrive. This classic dilemma is known as the Two Generals’ Problem. Like most problems in computer science, it’s easier to understand when explained with lasers, spaceships, and sarcastic smugglers. Let’s set the stage: It’s Return of the Jedi and the second Death Star looms large over the forest moon of Endo...
