System Design – CAP Theorem
Practice system design interview questions focused on the CAP theorem. Cover consistency, availability, and partition tolerance trade-offs. Answer questions and receive feedback on clarity and reasoning. Ideal for software engineer system design prep. First 2 questions are free with full feedback.
- Level Intermediate
- Questions 12
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Sample system design – cap theorem interview questions
Preview 6 questions from this track in quiz order. In the full quiz you answer one at a time — type or speak — then get a score and feedback.
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What does CAP stand for?
What a strong answer includes
Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance.
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Explain consistency in CAP.
What a strong answer includes
Every read receives the most recent write.
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Explain availability in CAP.
What a strong answer includes
Every request receives a response.
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What is partition tolerance?
What a strong answer includes
System continues despite network partitions.
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Why can’t a distributed system guarantee all three?
What a strong answer includes
During a partition you must choose between C and A.
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Give an example of a CP system.
What a strong answer includes
Prioritizes consistency (e.g. traditional databases).