π Scalability
Design systems that can handle increasing loads gracefully. Understand horizontal vs. vertical scaling, load balancing techniques, and how to distribute traffic effectively.
πΎ Databases
Know the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases, database sharding, indexing, and transaction management. Understand when to use each type based on system requirements.
π Caching
Implement caching strategies to reduce latency and improve system performance. Familiarize yourself with caching layers like CDN, in-memory caches (Redis, Memcached), and client-side caching.
π Consistency and Availability
Grasp the CAP theorem and how it applies to distributed systems. Learn about consistency models, replication strategies, and fault tolerance mechanisms.
π οΈ Microservices and Monoliths
Understand the pros and cons of microservices architecture versus monolithic architecture. Know how to design services, manage inter-service communication, and handle service discovery.
πΈοΈ Networking Protocols
Basic knowledge of networking protocols like HTTP/HTTPS, TCP/IP, and DNS is essential for designing robust systems.
π Data Structures and Algorithms
Strong foundational knowledge helps in optimizing system components and solving design challenges efficiently.
π§ Pro Tip: Create mind maps for each core concept to visualize their interconnections and applications within system design.