What is the definition of MapReduce?

MapReduce is fundamentally a programming model designed for distributed data processing. It allows for the processing of large datasets across a cluster of computers. The core idea behind MapReduce is to split the data into smaller chunks (mapping), process those chunks in parallel, and then aggregate the results into a final output (reducing). This model leverages the power of parallel computing, making it efficient for processing vast amounts of data that cannot be handled by a single machine.

In the context of data engineering and big data solutions, MapReduce is often associated with systems like Apache Hadoop, which utilizes this model to perform complex data transformations and analyses in a scalable manner. This definition highlights its importance in the realm of data processing, particularly when dealing with large-scale data.

The other options do not align with the definition of MapReduce. A data storage solution refers to systems designed to store data, such as databases or data lakes. A cloud service offering is a general term for services delivered over the cloud, including infrastructure, platforms, and software. A type of relational database pertains to a specific kind of database that organizes data into tables, which is a different concept altogether from the MapReduce model.