Full-Stack Software EngineerIntermediate8 modules~4.0 hours hands-on3 learning modes
High-Availability & Distributed System Design
Scale applications to handle millions of concurrent users, master caching, message queues, database sharding, and the CAP theorem trade-offs that define modern system architecture.
// What you'll be able to do- Vertical, horizontal, and load balancing
- The fundamental trade-off in distributed systems
- Replicas, connection pooling, and sharding
- Redis, cache patterns, and invalidation strategies
8 modules, built to run
Every module ships runnable code. Expand any one to see what's inside.
00IntroductionWhat problem this solves and how the course works30 min
Questions this module answers
- What should you know about what category of problem distributed system design solves?
- How do you choose the learning path that fits your goals?
Start moduleFree preview
01Scaling StrategiesVertical, horizontal, and load balancing30 min
Questions this module answers
- What distinguishes vertical from horizontal scaling and know when each applies?
- How do you identify when to use read replicas vs sharding for database scaling?
02CAP Theorem & ConsistencyThe fundamental trade-off in distributed systems30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you state the CAP theorem and explain why partition tolerance is not optional?
- What distinguishes cP from AP systems with concrete examples?
03Database ScalingReplicas, connection pooling, and sharding30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you explain why database connections don't scale and how pooling solves it?
- How do you select a sharding key and explain consistent hashing?
04Caching ArchitectureRedis, cache patterns, and invalidation strategies30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you explain the cache hierarchy and when each layer applies?
- How do you describe cache invalidation strategies and the stampede problem?
05Message Queues & Async DesignRabbitMQ, event-driven architecture, and decoupling services30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you identify when work should be async vs synchronous?
- How do you describe RabbitMQ exchange types and when to use each?
06Distributed ResilienceCircuit breakers, idempotency, and observability30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you explain the circuit breaker pattern and its three states?
- How do you describe how distributed tracing connects logs across services?
07Pattern SynthesisChoosing the right strategy for any system design problem30 min
Questions this module answers
- How do you apply a decision framework to select the right pattern for any system design problem?
- How do you identify which patterns to reach for based on traffic and consistency signals?
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