Designing a Tinder-like System: A Logical and Calm Approach

🔍Start by thinking about the system's features and how users would interact with them.

💡Consider storing images as files instead of blobs for improved flexibility and scalability.

🔒Use tokens for authentication instead of usernames and passwords to enhance security.

🌐Decouple different services by implementing a gateway to handle authentication and direct requests to the appropriate microservice.

🖼️Consider separating image storage into a separate service to facilitate sharing across different functionalities.

Should images be stored as files or blobs?

—Storing images as files provides more flexibility and scalability, making it easier to implement features like content delivery networks (CDNs) and reducing the load on the database.

Why use tokens instead of usernames and passwords for authentication?

—Tokens offer better security by eliminating the need to transmit passwords with each request. They can be easily revoked if necessary and provide a more seamless authentication experience.

What is the role of a gateway service in a system design?

—A gateway service handles authentication and routes requests to the appropriate microservice, reducing duplicated code and decoupling systems. It also simplifies the integration of new services in the future.

Why consider separating image storage into a separate service?

—Separating image storage allows for easier sharing of images across different functionalities, such as machine learning or other services that may require access to user images. It also improves scalability and flexibility in the long run.

How can a distributed file system improve image storage?

—A distributed file system offers advantages like scalability, fault tolerance, and the ability to implement features like content delivery networks (CDNs). It provides a more efficient and optimized solution for storing and retrieving images.

00:00Introduction and importance of system design concepts.

02:20Considerations for designing Tinder-like features and system evolution.

06:00Debate between storing images as files or blobs for scalability and flexibility.

10:41Benefits of using a gateway service for authentication and request routing.

16:58Decoupling systems and the advantages of separating image storage.