Visualize complex system architecture to prepare for interviews
See clearly what happens when you type an address into a browser or how a database scales. This repository organizes complex software architecture and network concepts into intuitive diagrams and concise explanations. It serves as a useful reference for developers preparing for system design interviews or looking to solidify their technical foundations.
Understanding System Design Through Visualization
This repository uses visual materials to simplify complex concepts instead of relying on text-heavy explanations. It covers various topics such as APIs, databases, and cloud infrastructure, with each topic structured as an independent unit so you can read only what you need. A key feature is showing how theory applies through real-world service examples. It also includes content tracking the architectural changes of well-known tech companies like Figma, Netflix, and Uber, which helps in developing practical intuition.
Key Learning Areas
Content covering various technical fields is categorized by topic.
- Practical Case Studies Covers the evolution of tech stacks and architecture in real companies, such as Figma's Postgres scaling, Pinterest's reduced clone time, and Netflix's caching strategies.
- Databases and Storage Compares and analyzes the working principles and selection criteria of major data storage solutions like Kafka, Redis, and PostgreSQL.
- Cloud and Distributed Systems Visually explains service composition, scaling strategies, and disaster recovery plans for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Security and Authentication Organizes the flows of security protocols like HTTPS, OAuth, and JWT, as well as password storage methods, for easy understanding.
Interview Preparation and Foundational Learning
It systematically covers topics frequently asked in system design interviews. The scope ranges from classic questions like 'What happens when you type google.com into a browser?' to the latest AI agent concepts. Each topic is explained in simple terms for beginners, breaking down complex processes into steps. It is suitable for developers preparing for technical interviews as well as learners who want to review computer science fundamentals.
Things to Check Before Use
This material is distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, meaning it can only be used for non-commercial purposes. You must check the license terms before reusing it in commercial projects or paid content. Additionally, because it focuses on conceptual understanding and architecture patterns rather than the latest versions or specific implementation details of certain technologies, you should refer to separate documentation for concrete code implementation or the latest library usage. It is most appropriate to use it as a reference for learning purposes.
