{"id":"how-to-approach-a-system-design-interview-question","title":"How to approach a system design interview question","sections":[{"id":"overview","title":"Overview","html":"
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How to tackle a system design interview question.

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The system design interview is an open-ended conversation. You are expected to lead it.

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You can use the following steps to guide the discussion. To help solidify this process, work through the System design interview questions with solutions section using the following steps.

","headings":[]},{"id":"step-1-outline-use-cases-constraints-and-assumptions","title":"Step 1: Outline use cases, constraints, and assumptions","html":"

Step 1: Outline use cases, constraints, and assumptions

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Gather requirements and scope the problem. Ask questions to clarify use cases and constraints. Discuss assumptions.

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Step 2: Create a high level design

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Outline a high level design with all important components.

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Step 3: Design core components

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Dive into details for each core component. For example, if you were asked to design a url shortening service, discuss:

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Step 4: Scale the design

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Identify and address bottlenecks, given the constraints. For example, do you need the following to address scalability issues?

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Discuss potential solutions and trade-offs. Everything is a trade-off. Address bottlenecks using principles of scalable system design.

","headings":[{"id":"step-4-scale-the-design","title":"Step 4: Scale the design","depth":3}]},{"id":"back-of-the-envelope-calculations","title":"Back-of-the-envelope calculations","html":"

Back-of-the-envelope calculations

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You might be asked to do some estimates by hand. Refer to the Appendix for the following resources:

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Source(s) and further reading

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Check out the following links to get a better idea of what to expect:

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