Scalability in System Design

Scalability in system design refers to the ability of a system to handle an increasing amount of workload or growth gracefully. As systems grow, handling higher traffic and workloads efficiently becomes crucial. Let's explore two common approaches to scaling systems: 1. Buy a Bigger Machine/Server 🖥 Definition: This approach, known as Vertical Scaling , involves increasing the capacity of a single machine by adding more powerful hardware (e.g., more RAM, better CPUs). Why it matters: Vertical scaling can be simpler to implement initially since it requires fewer architectural changes. Limitations: Hardware limitations eventually cap the scalability. Single points of failure increase risks. Costs rise exponentially with high-end hardware. Conclusion: While vertical scaling is a quick fix, it’s not a sustainable solution for systems requiring massive scalability. 2. Buy More Machines/Servers 💻 💻 💻 Definition: This approach, known as Horizontal Scaling , involves adding more ma...