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Unlock the secrets of API design and elevate your system design skills with our latest episode featuring me, Benny Kitchell. Explore the pivotal role APIs play in system design interviews and real-world development, where they act like the seamless communication between waiters, cooks, and customers in a restaurant. Learn how to craft APIs that are tailored to both internal and external developers by understanding their specific needs and objectives, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.

We also shine a light on the critical aspects of designing API routes. Understanding user needs and addressing core problems are the bedrock of effective API design. By focusing on functional and non-functional requirements, you'll be equipped to create API routes that meet real-world demands. Discover the importance of API versioning through our Spotify example, where future-proofing your design becomes crucial in maintaining user satisfaction and facilitating seamless updates.

Finally, we delve into the world of real-time data transfer, examining both synchronous and asynchronous communication methods. From the traditional request-response model to the innovative use of WebSockets for instantaneous data exchanges, we break down the strengths and limitations of each approach. Equip yourself with the knowledge to choose the best method for your client-server interactions, ensuring your system design is robust, flexible, and ready for any challenge.

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Dedicated to the memory of Crystal Rose.
Email me at LearnSystemDesignPod@gmail.com
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Consider supporting us on Patreon
Special thanks to Aimless Orbiter for the wonderful music.
Please consider giving us a rating on ITunes or wherever you listen to new episodes.

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Master the art of system design as Benny Ketchel guides us through the essential skills every senior tech candidate needs to excel, starting with capacity estimates. By the end of this episode, you'll be able to navigate the complexities of bandwidth and data size without getting bogged down in unnecessary arithmetic. We explore how to think like industry leaders at Netflix, Google, and Instagram, focusing on rough estimates, worst-case scenarios, and the use of metric prefixes to simplify calculations. This episode is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the larger picture and harnessing the power of strategic thinking.

Our discussion doesn't stop at capacity. Join us as we tackle the challenges of large-scale systems, offering insights into handling billions of users and managing enormous data streams. Learn to focus on the core components of a system, such as video content for a streaming giant, and balance cost with hardware efficiency. Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming special episodes and discover ways to support and engage with our community, from sending feedback to joining us on Patreon. This isn't just a lesson in system design—it's a call to action for aspiring tech leaders to think big and design even bigger.

Support the show

Dedicated to the memory of Crystal Rose.
Email me at LearnSystemDesignPod@gmail.com
Join the free Discord
Consider supporting us on Patreon
Special thanks to Aimless Orbiter for the wonderful music.
Please consider giving us a rating on ITunes or wherever you listen to new episodes.

Send us a text

Can a simple delay really cost a company millions? We kick off season two of the Learn System Design podcast by exploring this and more. I'm Benny Kitchell, your host, and after a refreshing hiatus, I'm excited to bring you a fresh take on system design interviews and real-world applications. We start with the fundamentals of functional requirements using a relatable example: a music streaming app like Spotify. Discover how to align core functionalities such as song playback, playlist creation, and music recommendations with stakeholder expectations, setting the stage for effective system design.

This episode also delves into the intricacies of caching systems, the critical role of TTL (Time To Live), and the balancing act required by the CAP theorem. We address the importance of understanding both functional and non-functional requirements, emphasizing stakeholder input to ensure a robust design. Key concepts like latency, durability, and partition tolerance are unpacked, highlighting their impact on user experience and system stability. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will not only prepare you for system design interviews but also enhance your technical prowess in the field. Thank you for joining us on this journey; your support means the world!


https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/privacy/what-are-fair-information-practices-fipps/

https://mashable.com/article/myspace-data-loss

Support the show

Dedicated to the memory of Crystal Rose.
Email me at LearnSystemDesignPod@gmail.com
Join the free Discord
Consider supporting us on Patreon
Special thanks to Aimless Orbiter for the wonderful music.
Please consider giving us a rating on ITunes or wherever you listen to new episodes.