Distributed File Storage System Design

Design a distributed file storage and synchronization system like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive that allows users to store, sync, and share files across multiple devices with real-time collaboration capabilities.

šŸŽÆ The SACRED Approach

We'll design this system step-by-step using the SACRED framework - a systematic methodology that mirrors real system design interviews.

S - Scope & Requirements

A - API Design & Entities

C - Core High-Level Design

R - Refinement for Scale

E - Edge Cases & Failures

D - Deep Dives & Details

S

Scope & Requirements

Define what our file storage system needs to do and how well it should perform.

āœ“ Functional requirements
āœ“ Non-functional requirements
āœ“ Scale estimation

A

API Design & Entities

Design the core entities and API endpoints that power our file operations.

āœ“ Core entities & relationships
āœ“ REST API design
āœ“ Data models

C

Core Architecture

Build the fundamental system architecture with file chunking and sync algorithms.

āœ“ File chunking strategy
āœ“ Sync algorithms
āœ“ Basic architecture

R

Scale Refinement

Optimize for massive scale with sharding, caching, and CDN strategies.

āœ“ Database sharding
āœ“ Multi-layer caching
āœ“ Global distribution

E

Edge Cases & Failures

Handle conflicts, failures, and security challenges in distributed file sync.

āœ“ Conflict resolution
āœ“ Failure scenarios
āœ“ Security patterns

D

Deep Dives

Explore advanced topics like operational transforms and merkle trees.

āœ“ Collaborative editing
āœ“ Advanced algorithms
āœ“ Technology choices

šŸŽÆ Key Design Decisions We'll Make

šŸ”§ File Chunking Strategy

Fixed vs variable-size chunks, optimal chunk size for performance and deduplication

šŸ”„ Sync Algorithm

Delta sync, merkle trees, and efficient change detection across devices

šŸ’¾ Storage Architecture

Block storage vs object storage, metadata separation, and replication strategy

āš” Conflict Resolution

Vector clocks, operational transforms, and handling concurrent edits

šŸ”’ Consistency Model

Strong vs eventual consistency trade-offs for metadata and file content

šŸ“” Real-time Notifications

WebSocket connections, message queues, and push notification architecture

šŸŽ“ What You'll Learn

Core Concepts

  • ā€¢ File chunking and deduplication
  • ā€¢ Delta synchronization algorithms
  • ā€¢ Conflict resolution strategies
  • ā€¢ Distributed metadata management

Advanced Techniques

  • ā€¢ Operational transforms for collaboration
  • ā€¢ Merkle trees for change detection
  • ā€¢ Vector clocks for causality
  • ā€¢ Multi-device consistency patterns

Start Your Journey šŸš€

Begin with defining requirements and scope