System Design: Busting 6 Myths

As software engineers, we are constantly striving to design better systems that meet the needs of our users. However, there are many misconceptions about system design that can hinder our efforts and lead us down the wrong path.

In this article, we will explore 6 such common misconceptions, and provide solid points to dispel these myths.

Misconception # 1: Adding more servers to a system will always improve performance.

Adding more servers may increase the system's capacity, but it may not necessarily improve performance due to factors such as network latency and synchronization overhead.

Misconception # 2: Caching is always beneficial.

Caching can improve performance, but it might introduces additional complexity, inconsistency, and maintenance overhead. Caching should be used judiciously and only when it provides a clear benefit.

Misconception # 3: Microservices always provide better scalability and flexibility than monolithic architectures.

Microservices can offer better scalability and flexibility than monolithic architecture, but can also introduce complexity, deployment challenges, and operational overhead.

Misconception # 4: Monolithic architectures are always easier to maintain

Monolithic architectures, where all components of a system are tightly coupled, can be easier to develop and deploy in the short term. However, they can become unwieldy and difficult to maintain over time as the system grows in complexity.

Misconception # 5: Cloud is always better than on-premises infrastructure.

On-premises infrastructure can offer more control, security, and predictable performance. Cloud infrastructure also has potential downsides, such as vendor lock-in and data security concerns.

Misconception # 6: Database schema should always be optimized for performance

The database schema should be optimized for both performance and maintainability. Over-optimizing for performance can result in a brittle, difficult-to-maintain schema.

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