System Design – Databases and Caching
Practice system design interview questions focused on databases and caching. Cover SQL vs NoSQL, indexing, replication, and cache strategies. Answer questions and receive feedback on trade-offs and clarity. 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 – databases and caching 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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When would you choose a SQL database over NoSQL?
What a strong answer includes
Consistency, relationships, and complex queries.
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Explain database indexing and its trade-offs.
What a strong answer includes
Faster reads, slower writes, and storage cost.
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What is database replication and why is it used?
What a strong answer includes
Availability, read scaling, and failover.
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How does caching improve performance?
What a strong answer includes
Reduces database load and latency.
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What are common cache invalidation strategies?
What a strong answer includes
TTL, write-through, or explicit invalidation.
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Explain the difference between a cache and a database.
What a strong answer includes
Speed vs durability and use cases.