Module 2
Scalability Patterns
Learn the key patterns and strategies for building systems that can handle millions of users: from vertical and horizontal scaling to data partitioning and stateless design.
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Horizontal Scaling Architecture
Load balanced traffic distributed across multiple server instances.
There are two fundamental approaches to scaling systems:
Vertical Scaling (Scale Up)
Adding more power to existing machines:
•More CPU, RAM, Storage
•Simpler to implement
•Has physical limits
•Single point of failure
•Example: Upgrading from 8GB to 64GB RAM
Horizontal Scaling (Scale Out)
Adding more machines to the pool:
•Distribute load across servers
•Theoretically unlimited
•Requires load balancing
•More complex architecture
•Example: Adding 5 more servers
When to Choose Each:
•Start vertical (simpler) for small scale
•Go horizontal when you need:
- High availability
- Geographic distribution
- Beyond single-machine limits
Interactive: Toggle scaling mode
↑ Add more power to one machine (limited by hardware)
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Continue with an interactive visualization of Load Balancing
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