Explain cloud computing fundamentals
Overview
This question evaluates a candidate's mastery of cloud computing fundamentals and system design competencies, including service models, compute selection, data layer choices, networking and edge, security and secrets management, availability, observability, and delivery/operations.
Lowe's
Aug 10, 2025, 12:00 AM
Software Engineer
Technical Screen
System Design
0
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Design a Cloud-Native, Horizontally Scalable, Fault-Tolerant Web Application for Millions of Users
Context
You are asked to design, deploy, and operate a cloud-based web application that serves millions of users. Assume a major cloud provider, but keep the design cloud-agnostic with examples as needed. Focus on justifications, trade-offs, and operational excellence.
Requirements
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Compare cloud service models and usage:
- Contrast IaaS, PaaS, and serverless, and explain when to use each.
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Compute layer selection:
- Choose between VMs, containers, and functions as the primary compute. Justify your choice and mention where the others still fit.
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Traffic management and statelessness:
- Describe load balancing, autoscaling policies, and stateless service design.
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Data layer design:
- Select data stores for different workloads (relational, NoSQL, object storage, in-memory cache). Explain consistency, durability, and backup/restore strategies.
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Network and edge:
- Outline VPC, subnets, security groups, firewalls/WAF, NAT, CDN, and apply zero-trust principles.
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Security and secrets:
- Plan IAM, secrets management, encryption in transit/at rest, and key rotation.
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Availability and resilience:
- Ensure high availability and disaster recovery (multi-AZ/region) with clear RTO/RPO targets.
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Observability and cost:
- Implement metrics, logs, traces, SLOs, and cost governance controls.
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Delivery and operations:
- Describe CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), blue/green and canary releases, and rollback strategies.
Solution
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