Problems?

[Technical Ben]

That facebook error is a gem. Brilliant. Best bug ever. That kind of error is usually considered a virus, for the damage it causes. So it's amazing that they made the mistake of programming it to work that way.
It went like this...

One small error or wrong file: ---> Server checks the master server for a fix: ---> One files was wrong on the master server, so this replies with another error:
This means the Server checks again with the master server for a fix:---> Now the master server is overwhelmed and returns all queries as "error" because it is overloaded:
Now all the Servers think all their files are corrupt, and they all give up, or query the master even more!

It's like a massive feed back loop. 

[Rik]

Until it disappears up its own fundamental orifice...

[Glenn]

Just think how much bandwidth was saved last night.

[Gary]

I mean its not like we get server errors    Facebook have no idea, its only five hundred million users and huge server farms, cant they sort it 

[Rik]

Just think how much bandwidth was saved last night.

I ought to phone and ask.

[netn00b]

That facebook error is a gem. Brilliant. Best bug ever. That kind of error is usually considered a virus, for the damage it causes. So it's amazing that they made the mistake of programming it to work that way.
It went like this...

One small error or wrong file: ---> Server checks the master server for a fix: ---> One files was wrong on the master server, so this replies with another error:
This means the Server checks again with the master server for a fix:---> Now the master server is overwhelmed and returns all queries as "error" because it is overloaded:
Now all the Servers think all their files are corrupt, and they all give up, or query the master even more!

It's like a massive feed back loop. 

awesome job Facebook technies !

i wonder if a few are looking for new jobs today

[Rik]

They probably haven't been let out yet.