Design a URL Shortener (Multi-Region Reads, Write Spikes, Then Code It)

Also reported as TinyURL

System DesignMicrosoftLast reported June 2026Medium Frequency

Problem Overview

Microsoft system design question, reconstructed from 4 candidate reports (February 2026 to June 2026). Candidates reported 5 follow-ups.

5 candidate-reported follow-ups — the probes candidates report being asked, with the trigger for each
The full problem statement — full requirements, constraints, and edge cases
Approach and trade-offs — what passing candidates did, and the mistakes that sink people

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Verified Source

Every question is reconstructed from multiple independent candidate reports. Follow-ups candidates reported, not invented ones.

Codex Fact-Checked

Technical claims, formulas, and scale numbers are reviewed against primary sources.

Interviewer Follow-ups

The follow-ups candidates reported, with the trigger that prompts each one — plus the mistakes that sink people.