Managing incremental snapshots for fast leader node bring-up

A method comprising:

• bringing up a new leader node in response to a detection of a loss of operation or disconnection of a leader node that was in a leader-follower relationship with a follower node to manage metadata across a plurality of interconnected computing nodes at least by:
• receiving an incremental snapshot at the new leader node, and
• applying the incremental snapshot to the new leader node,
• wherein the incremental snapshot comprises multiple metadata entries changed during a time period corresponding to the incremental snapshot, and first and second metadata entries of the multiple metadata entries were changed at different times;
• and
• assuming, by the new leader node, a leadership role after applying the incremental snapshot to the new leader node.

A system comprising:

• a storage medium having stored thereon a sequence of instructions;
• and
• a processor that executes the sequence of instructions to cause a set of acts comprising,
• bringing up a new leader node in response to a detection of a loss of operation or disconnection of a leader node that was in a leader-follower relationship with a follower node to manage metadata across a plurality of interconnected computing nodes at least by:
• receiving an incremental snapshot at the new leader node, and
• applying the incremental snapshot to the new leader node,
• wherein the incremental snapshot comprises multiple metadata entries changed during a time period corresponding to the incremental snapshot, and first and second metadata entries of the multiple metadata entries were changed at different times;
• and
• assuming, by the new leader node, a leadership role after applying the incremental snapshot to the new leader node.