Database Engineering & Data Systems Topics
Database design patterns, optimization, scaling strategies, storage technologies, data warehousing, and operational database management. Covers database selection criteria, query optimization, replication strategies, distributed databases, backup and recovery, and performance tuning at database layer. Distinct from Systems Architecture (which addresses service-level distribution) and Data Science (which addresses analytical approaches).
Storage Systems and Infrastructure
The physical and infrastructure layer beneath databases: disk and volume management, storage redundancy and RAID levels, storage services, and how storage architecture affects durability and performance. Covers matching storage configuration to reliability and throughput requirements. Serves infrastructure and systems roles that own the hardware substrate.
Client-Side and Mobile Data Persistence
Storing data on devices and clients: embedded and mobile databases (SQLite and similar), local caching, offline-first persistence and sync, and durable save/state systems for applications and games. Covers constrained-storage design, conflict resolution on sync, and persisting state reliably outside a central server. Serves mobile and game development interviews.