Episode 1

1. Databases Decoded: Charting Scalability and Overcoming Latency Battles (Part 1)

Published on: 27th February, 2024

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Embark on a journey with me, Benny Kitchell, as we chart the course through the complex waters of system design, zeroing in on the pivotal role of scalability. Imagine the chaos of a concert ticket site crashing just as sales go live; it’s a scenario I’ve lived through, and one that illustrates the high stakes of scaling. Within this episode, we dissect the anatomy of scalability, providing essential insights into how understanding both the product and user behavior is crucial for ensuring a system can handle fluctuating demands. As a veteran of the tech trenches, I share war stories and lessons learned, revealing how misguided scaling can be just as disastrous as stagnation, and how financial implications like ballooning AWS fees can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

Then, we shift gears and plunge into the 'War on Latency', where I illuminate the strategic deployment of caching and CDNs as our primary weapons. Not only do we unravel the technical threads of these systems, but we also tune in to the melodies of Aimless Orbiter, punctuating our discussion with an auditory experience that transcends the typical tech talk. From the intricacies of the CAP theorem to the harmonious balance proposed by its successor, the PACELC theorem, you’ll come away from this session armed with the knowledge that’s as practical as it is profound. Prepare to be enlightened by the symbiosis of robust system design discourse and the soul-stirring tunes that underscore our technological odyssey.

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Special thanks to Aimless Orbiter for the wonderful music.
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About the Podcast

Learn System Design
A bi-weekly podcast hosted by a senior engineer named Ben Kitchell that takes a deep dive into learning about technical system design by learning together. Each episode we will explore the inner workings of what makes these systems so complex and fascinating while building on our knowledge of how they came together.

All music written and performed by the mysterious Aimless Orbiter. You can find more info about him and his music at https://soundcloud.com/aimlessorbitermusic

About your host

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Benny Kitchell

A developer with over a decade's worth of experience who has a passion to helping others grow. Benny has held positions ranging from staff engineer to interim engineering manager. He found he has a knack for explaining complicated subjects in an easily digestible format.