System Design - Creating a functional design from Udemy

The ability to create an end-to-end system design differentiates a developer from principal engineers and architects. One of the most important aspects of system design is the ability to create a functional design outlining all the components and how they work together. This course provides a step-by-step approach to create a functional design for a system using single responsibility principle and architectural patterns.

In this course, you will learn how to

1) Define the users of a platform you want to build

2) Understand the most important problems for the users the platform is meant to solve and define the core functions that solve this problem.

3) A depth-first based approach to design the core functions one-by-one.

4) Define the components and their integration framework using the single responsibility principle.

5) Understand the difference between frontend and backend design and the need for a BEFE layer like GraphQL.

6) Detailed design of each component

7) Creating an end-to-end system view from the component design.

We will use a running example throughout this course to apply the approach described in this course. There are a set of assignments that every student should complete as part of this course. Finally, it is important for you to apply the learnings in your day-to-day work and improve your system design skills with time.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create a functional architecture for large products or platforms
Define components and services using single responsibility principle

Component design
Minimize service sprawl

Create a functional architecture for large products or platforms
Define components and services using single responsibility principle
Component design
Minimize service sprawl

Syllabus

Introduction

How is an architect different from a developer? This lecture covers how an architect, responsible for functional design, needs to think differently from a developer.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in system design, which distinguishes developers from principal engineers and architects, enhancing career advancement opportunities

Emphasizes the single responsibility principle, a core tenet of modern software engineering, promoting modularity and maintainability in system design

Explores the BEFE layer, including GraphQL, which is increasingly relevant in modern web application architectures, facilitating efficient data fetching

Includes assignments to reinforce learning, but learners should be prepared to apply these learnings in their day-to-day work for skill improvement

Reviews summary

Functional system design fundamentals for engineers

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation (positive) in creating a functional system design. Many appreciate the step-by-step approach (positive) and the use of a running example (positive) which helps in understanding complex concepts like the single responsibility principle (neutral). The assignments are practical and helpful (positive) for applying the learned concepts. While the course is generally well-received for its clarity and practicality, some feedback suggests that the depth might be insufficient (warning) for highly experienced professionals seeking advanced topics. It's primarily geared towards developers looking to transition into design or architect roles.

Course focuses specifically on functional design.

"This course is strictly about functional design and doesn't delve into other aspects like scaling or databases."

"I appreciated the sharp focus on just the functional requirements and how to structure a system around them."

"Keep in mind this isn't a full system design course covering everything; it's specifically on functional breakdown."

"The scope is clearly defined and sticks to functional design principles."

Best suited for developers transitioning roles.

"This course is perfect for developers looking to get into system design or architecture."

"As an intermediate developer, I found this course extremely helpful for understanding the next step."

"Might be a bit advanced for absolute beginners without prior development experience."

"Great bridge course for those looking to understand architect-level thinking."

Assignments reinforce learning with practical application.

"The running example throughout the course really helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."

"Assignments were challenging but very useful in applying the principles learned."

"Working through the design of the example system made the theoretical concepts much more concrete."

"I found the assignments to be the most valuable part, forcing me to apply the step-by-step design process."

Provides a clear step-by-step process for design.

"The step-by-step approach outlined in this course is incredibly helpful for structuring my design thinking."

"I finally understand how to approach a functional design from scratch using this methodology."

"This course gave me a much clearer picture of how to break down a large system functionally."

"The methodology provided is a practical guide for creating a functional design."

May require additional resources for advanced topics.

"While great for fundamentals, I wished it went into more depth on complex integration patterns."

"For someone already experienced, parts of the course might feel a bit basic or not deep enough."

"I feel like I got the basics, but might need to seek out more advanced material for complex real-world scenarios."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific components or optimization techniques once functional design is done."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in System Design - Creating a functional design with these activities:

Review Architectural Patterns

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Familiarize yourself with common architectural patterns to better understand the design choices presented in the course.

Browse courses on Microservices Architecture

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Identify key architectural patterns.
Research the pros and cons of each pattern.
Consider real-world examples of each pattern.

Review 'Clean Architecture'

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Deepen your understanding of architectural principles by studying a classic guide to software design.

View Clean Architecture on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book, focusing on relevant chapters.
Take notes on key concepts and design patterns.

Read 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications'

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of system design by studying a comprehensive guide.

View Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book, focusing on relevant chapters.
Take notes on key concepts and design patterns.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Practice Component Design Exercises

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Sharpen your component design skills through repetitive exercises focused on single responsibility principle.

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Find component design exercises online.
Attempt each exercise, focusing on SRP.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Create a System Design Diagram

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Visualize a system architecture to reinforce understanding of component interactions and data flow.

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Choose a system to model.
Identify the key components and their relationships.
Create a diagram using a suitable tool.
Label the components and connections clearly.

Design a URL Shortener

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Apply the principles learned in the course by designing a real-world system from scratch.

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Define the core functions of a URL shortener.
Design the components and their interactions.
Consider scalability and reliability requirements.
Document your design decisions.

Help Others in System Design Forums

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Reinforce your understanding by explaining system design concepts to others and answering their questions.

Show steps

Find online system design forums.
Identify questions you can answer.
Provide clear and concise explanations.

Career center

Learners who complete System Design - Creating a functional design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Architect

A Software Architect is responsible for high-level design choices and setting technical standards, including software coding standards, tools, and platforms. This course provides a step-by-step approach to create a functional design for a system, which is directly applicable to the work of a Software Architect. The course's emphasis on defining core functions, components and their integration using the single responsibility principle, and creating an end-to-end system view aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of this role. In particular, the modules on component design and integration approaches would be very relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and implements information systems. Skills developed by learning to create a functional design for a system are directly applicable to the work of a Solutions Architect. The course's emphasis on defining core functions, components and their integration using the single responsibility principle, and creating an end-to-end system view aligns with the responsibilities of this role. The modules on component design and integration approaches would be very relevant to a Solutions Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers focus on designing, developing, and managing complex systems over their life cycles. As a Systems Engineer looks at the big picture, defining the system's architecture and how different components interact, this course can be very valuable. The course teaches students how to create a functional design, define components, and understand integration frameworks. The course content, especially the approach to component design and creating an end-to-end system view, helps build a foundation for aspiring Systems Engineers.

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Principal Engineer

A Principal Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for shaping the technical direction of a project or a product. This individual typically works on complex problems and needs to have a deep understanding of system design. This course can be extremely beneficial. It provides a strong foundation in creating a functional design, defining components using the single responsibility principle, and understanding the integration between frontend and backend. The course's step-by-step approach to system design and end-to-end system view is of particular relevance to a Principal Engineer.

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Technical Lead

The work of a Technical Lead involves guiding a team of developers, making key technical decisions, and ensuring the successful delivery of software projects. This course is useful for a Technical Lead because it covers the functional design of a system, definition of components, and how they integrate. The course's focus on the single responsibility principle and minimizing service sprawl is directly applicable to the challenges faced by Technical Leads. The modules on component design and integration would be particularly insightful.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and implementing cloud computing architectures. This course is useful for a Cloud Architect because it covers the functional design of a system, definition of components, and how they integrate. A Cloud Architect can use the concepts outlined in the course to develop highly available and scalable systems. The course's focus on the single responsibility principle and minimizing service sprawl is directly applicable to the challenges faced by Cloud Architects.

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Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers work on both the frontend and backend of applications. As a Full Stack Developer, understanding the full system architecture and how components interact is essential. This course is therefore very helpful. It provides a step-by-step approach to creating a functional design, defining components using the single responsibility principle, and understanding the integration between frontend and backend. The course also provides insights into creating an end-to-end system view.

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Backend Developer

Backend Developers build and maintain the server-side logic and databases that power applications. This course provides valuable knowledge for Backend Developers, particularly in understanding architectural patterns and how backend components integrate to form a functional system. The course's emphasis on defining components using the single responsibility principle and detailed component design directly applies to the tasks performed by Backend Developers. The sections on integration design and the BEFE layer would also be especially useful.

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Frontend Developer

Frontend Developers are responsible for building the user interface and ensuring a seamless user experience. A course focusing on system design provides important context for frontend developers. It allows them to understand how their work integrates with the backend and the overall system architecture. The discussion on the integration of front end and backend is particularly helpful for Frontend Developers. Understanding the single responsibility principle helps them design more maintainable and scalable components.

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Enterprise Architect

An Enterprise Architect is focused on aligning information technology strategy with business goals. The ability to create an end-to-end system design is very helpful in this role. This course may be helpful in understanding how different parts of an organization's technology infrastructure can be integrated. This course's step-by-step approach to system design and end-to-end system view is relevant to an Enterprise Architect.

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Application Developer

Application Developers design, code, and test applications for computers and other devices. The design aspect of Application Development emphasizes one's familiarity with architecture. This course describes how to create a functional design for a system. An Application Developer will pick up valuable abilities in defining components, integration frameworks, and creating an end-to-end system view. The single responsibility principle will be useful in their day-to-day work.

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Software Consultant

Software Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on how to use software to achieve their business objectives. The skills developed in this course in systems design are valuable. A Software Consultant can apply this step-by-step approach to create a functional design, define components using the single responsibility principle, and understand the integration between frontend and backend. The course also provides insights into creating an end-to-end system view.

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Technical Project Manager

Technical Project Managers oversee software development projects. They manage the technical aspects, guide the team, and ensure successful project delivery. This course may provide the Technical Project Manager with the ability to oversee how backend components integrate to form a functional system. The course's emphasis on defining components using the single responsibility principle and detailed component design relates to the tasks performed by a Technical Project Manager. The sections on integration design and the BEFE layer might also be useful.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. This course may be useful as it helps Data Engineers to think about the overall system architecture and how data flows through different components. Knowledge of functional design, component definition, and integration frameworks can be valuable when designing data pipelines. The single responsibility principle can be applied to ensure data components are modular and maintainable.

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Software Development Engineer in Test

Software Development Engineers in Test, also known as SDETs, are involved in building and maintaining testing frameworks, as well as automating tests. This course may be useful in understanding how to design testable systems and components. Understanding the design principles behind an application has an impact on the way it will be validated. Knowledge of architecture enables the SDET to design better tests, and to communicate more effectively.

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System Design - Creating a functional design

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Functional system design fundamentals for engineers

Activities

Career center

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