Interactive Learning Roadmap

Choose your path and follow a structured curriculum. Every topic builds on the previous one — no jumping around confused.

Beginner Path — 5 modules

Step 1 · Module 0

How to Learn System Design

Orientation

Set expectations and give learners a mental model for how system design works before learning a single concept.

0.1
What is system design?
8 min
0.2
System design vs software design
6 min
0.3
How system design interviews work
12 min
0.4
The RESHADED framework
15 min
0.5
How to use this guide
5 min
0.6
Back-of-envelope estimation basics
20 min
Step 2 · Module 1

Foundations

Beginner

Core concepts every engineer must understand before going deeper. No prior system design knowledge assumed.

1.1
Scalability fundamentals
18 min
1.2
Reliability and availability
20 min
1.3
Latency and performance
15 min
1.4
Client-server model
22 min
1.5
APIs — the contracts between systems
25 min
1.6
Unique ID generation
18 min
Step 3 · Module 2

Databases

Beginner → Intermediate

The most important module for most system design questions. Database choices determine half of every architecture.

2.1
Relational databases (SQL)
30 min
2.2
NoSQL databases
28 min
2.3
CAP theorem and consistency models
22 min
2.4
Database replication
20 min
2.5
Database sharding and partitioning
25 min
2.6
Database selection framework
15 min
2.7
Consistent hashing deep dive
20 min
Step 4 · Module 3

Caching

Intermediate

Deep understanding of when to cache, what to cache, and what can go wrong — mentioned in almost every interview.

3.1
Why caching
12 min
3.2
Cache eviction policies
15 min
3.3
Cache write strategies
18 min
3.4
Cache problems and solutions
20 min
3.5
Distributed caching systems
22 min
Step 5 · Module 12

Real-World Case Studies

All Levels

40+ real-world system design case studies from beginner to FAANG-level. The highest-value interview prep content.

12.1
Communication systems
60 min
12.2
Content and social systems
90 min
12.3
E-commerce and marketplaces
75 min
12.4
Data and infrastructure systems
120 min
12.5
Real-time and location systems
75 min
12.6
Developer and platform systems
90 min

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