Graceful degradation

The property of a ( computer ) system with Graceful degradation refers to react to errors and unexpected events arriving safe and appropriate: An error in a single system reduces the functionality of the entire system only gradually, as by a decreased quality or reduced functionality.

For example, the Transmission Control Protocol ( TCP) so constructed that it permits a reliable two-way communication in a packet-based network, even if individual nodes are incorrectly configured on the network, data, distort, or are overloaded. This is achieved by communication endpoints in case of loss, duplication, reordering and falsification of packets respond accordingly.

Data formats can also be designed. HTML is constructed, for example upward compatible, new HTML units of browsers that do not understand, ignored without the document will be unreadable immediately. For example, can be displayed for images alternative texts. With an appropriate implementation of the HTML page images can be displayed instead of Flash movies. Can also be developed in Javascript so that DOM operations are replaced by reloading the page.

• Computer Networks