For many appls:
‰ it is sufficient that all machines agree on the same time.
‰ it is not essential that this time also agree with the real time
E.g. make example - it is adequate that all machines agree that it is 10:00
even if it is really 10:02.
Meaning: it is the internal consistency of the clocks that matters, not
whether they are particularly close to the real time.
For these algorithms it is conventional to speak of the clocks as
logical clocks.
„ Counter-ex:
when the additional constraint is present that the clocks
„ must not only be the same,
„ but also must not deviate from the real time by more than a certain amount,
the clocks are called physical clocks.
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A physical clock measures time based on a physical oscillator like a quartz crystal. A logical clock is used in distributed systems to order events based on causality rather than real time, ensuring consistency even when clocks on different machines are not synchronized.
A physical clock is a hardware device that tracks time based on a physical phenomenon like the oscillation of a crystal, while a logical clock is an abstract mechanism for ordering events in a distributed system. Physical clocks can drift or have variability, while logical clocks rely on logical relationships between events. Synchronization using physical clocks aims to adjust for clock drift, while synchronization using logical clocks focuses on establishing a consistent ordering of events.
A watch is typically worn on the wrist and is portable, while a clock is usually placed on a wall or a surface. Watches are designed to be carried around while clocks are stationary timepieces. Additionally, watches are often more compact and come in various styles, while clocks tend to be larger and more utilitarian.
A stopwatch is typically a handheld device used for measuring time intervals, while a stop clock refers to a wall-mounted or stationary clock that can be stopped and started to measure time. Both devices can be used to accurately time events, but the design and portability differ between the two.
A wall clock is designed to be hung on a wall and typically has a simpler design with a larger face for easy visibility. A mantle clock is meant to be placed on a mantle or shelf, often has more decorative elements, and is usually smaller in size compared to a wall clock.
The first atomic clock was a cesium atomic clock. It was developed in 1955 by Harold Lyons at the National Physical Laboratory in the United Kingdom.