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{Architecture: Slack}
The Question
Diagram the architecture of Slack.
Suggested Hints
If the interviewee has trouble getting started, have them draw out the pieces first (client, server, database).
Ask about requests and responses.
Ask if something is a persistent connection or a one-off.
Ignore real-time initially. Start with something simple, then ask how they would handle real-time communication.
Client
Server
Database
The Solution
The Solution: Basic
The Solution: Mobile
The Solution: Web
The Solution: Desktop
The Solution: Overall
Additional Readings
How Slack Works
Slack's blog post
https://slack.engineering/making-slack-feel-like-slack-a7c4e9b6d4fb
Software Engineering Daily podcast
Episode "Slack Messaging Architecture with Keith Adam