In this mock interview, the focus is on creating a distributed LRU cache. The interviewee begins by implementing a straightforward solution on a single machine, utilizing a HashMap and a doubly linked list for efficient key-value storage and LRU tracking. As the discussion progresses, the design shifts to a distributed system that features a dedicated cache cluster, range-based sharding, a configuration management service like ZooKeeper for dynamic updates, and read replicas to ensure high availability. The conversation also addresses the trade-offs between consistency and availability, emphasizing the need to tailor the design to specific business needs. The interview wraps up with tips for tackling similar design challenges: start with a simple approach, iterate on your ideas, and keep communication open with the interviewer.
