Design Cloud File Storage
Design a cloud file storage service similar to Google Drive.
The system must support the following core functionalities:
- File Operations:
- Upload files.
- Download files.
- Metadata Management:
- Store and retrieve file metadata including name, size, owner, creation time, update time, and storage location.
- Organization:
- Organize files within a hierarchical folder structure.
- Access Control:
- Implement basic sharing capabilities and access control mechanisms.
A key architectural requirement is the clear separation of the metadata store from the blob storage layer.
Follow-up: Chunked File Storage
Extend the initial design to accommodate very large files by splitting them into smaller chunks. This chunking mechanism must preserve all file metadata and ensure efficient upload and download processes.
AI interview prep
Core dilemma
Balancing extreme scalability and availability for both metadata and blob storage, while ensuring data integrity, consistency, and cost-efficiency, especially with the added complexity of large file chunking and distributed access.
3 tradeoffs and 3 stress tests locked
Interview prep
Unlock the interviewer X-Ray rubric, tradeoff matrix, stress tests, clarifying questions, and key concepts.
Design Cloud File Storage
Design a cloud file storage service similar to Google Drive.
The system must support the following core functionalities:
- File Operations:
- Upload files.
- Download files.
- Metadata Management:
- Store and retrieve file metadata including name, size, owner, creation time, update time, and storage location.
- Organization:
- Organize files within a hierarchical folder structure.
- Access Control:
- Implement basic sharing capabilities and access control mechanisms.
A key architectural requirement is the clear separation of the metadata store from the blob storage layer.
Follow-up: Chunked File Storage
Extend the initial design to accommodate very large files by splitting them into smaller chunks. This chunking mechanism must preserve all file metadata and ensure efficient upload and download processes.