Zero Copy Decoded: How Kafka Saturates Networks Without Exhausting CPU

Understanding zero copy is essential for grasping why tools like Kafka and Nginx can saturate 10Gbps networks while barely utilizing CPU resources. The difference between traditional approaches (4 context switches) and zero-copy techniques (2 context switches) reveals how architectural decisions directly impact throughput and efficiency at scale. This knowledge is crucial for developers optimizing high-performance data systems.