Knowledge MaxxingMessage queue
A message queue holds messages sent from one part of a system until another part is ready to process them, decoupling the sender from needing an immediate response.
Prerequisite: Distributed system
What matters
By letting the sender continue immediately without waiting, a message queue helps a system stay responsive and absorb sudden bursts of work without every part needing to keep pace in real time.
Example
A checkout process might place an 'order placed' message on a queue, letting a separate worker process handle emailing a receipt without slowing down the checkout itself.
Common misconception
A message queue does not guarantee a message is processed instantly; it guarantees the message will be handled eventually, potentially after some delay.
Recall question
What does a message queue let the sending part of a system avoid doing?