System design (backend)

Summary

Higher-level interview questions about architecting a backend system — API design, data modeling, scaling strategy, trade-offs — common from mid-level interviews onward.

• 1Practice a mock system design question, e.g. 'design a URL shortener' or 'design a rate limiter'.
• 2Structure your answer: requirements, high-level design, data model, scaling, trade-offs.
• 3Study how a real product you use is likely architected, as a reference point.