"The CAP theorem states that any distributed computer system can provide consistency, availability, and partition tolerance, but only two of these can be optimized at any given time. It requires tradeoffs between these three characteristics since they compete with each other. Consistency means that all the nodes on a network have equal access to all the information simultaneously. Availability addresses each node receiving responses to its requests with the same priority. Partition tolerance addresses system uptime and prevents lost transmissions. As an example, if you optimize availability and position tolerance, you sacrifice consistency. I strive to balance performance between these three characteristics based on the needs of the users and the operations they are performing."