MapReduce

MapReduce is a programming model used to process large amounts of data efficiently. It works by splitting a big task into smaller parts: the "Map" step processes chunks of data to identify relevant information, while the "Reduce" step combines these pieces to produce a final result. Imagine sorting a vast pile of documents by category (Map) and then compiling summaries for each category (Reduce). This approach allows many computers to work together simultaneously, making it possible to analyze massive datasets quickly and reliably.