Why database scaling handles data growth in HLD - Quick Recap

Recall & Review

beginner

What is database scaling?

Database scaling is the process of adjusting a database system to handle increased data volume or user load by improving its capacity and performance.

beginner

What are the two main types of database scaling?

The two main types are vertical scaling (adding more resources like CPU or RAM to a single server) and horizontal scaling (adding more servers to distribute the load).

intermediate

Why does vertical scaling have limits?

Vertical scaling is limited by the maximum hardware capacity of a single machine and can become expensive or impractical beyond a point.

intermediate

How does horizontal scaling help with data growth?

Horizontal scaling spreads data and requests across multiple servers, allowing the system to handle more data and users by adding more machines.

advanced

What is sharding in database scaling?

Sharding is a horizontal scaling technique where data is split into smaller parts called shards, each stored on different servers to improve performance and capacity.

Which scaling method involves adding more servers to handle increased data?

A Horizontal scaling

B Vertical scaling

C Caching

D Indexing

Horizontal scaling means adding more servers to distribute the load and data.

What is a limitation of vertical scaling?

A It requires splitting data across servers

B It is limited by hardware capacity

C It always reduces latency

D It is cheaper than horizontal scaling

Vertical scaling is limited by the maximum hardware resources available on a single machine.

What does sharding do in a database?

A Duplicates data on all servers

B Backs up data regularly

C Splits data into parts stored on different servers

D Compresses data to save space

Sharding splits data into smaller parts called shards, each stored on different servers.

Why is horizontal scaling preferred for very large data growth?

A Because it uses a single powerful server

B Because it reduces the number of servers needed

C Because it avoids data replication

D Because it distributes load across many servers

Horizontal scaling distributes data and requests across multiple servers, handling large growth better.

Which of these is NOT a direct benefit of database scaling?

A Increased downtime

B Handling more data

C Improved performance

D Better user experience

Database scaling aims to reduce downtime, not increase it.

Explain how horizontal and vertical scaling differ and why both are important for handling data growth.

Think about adding resources to one machine versus adding more machines.

Describe what sharding is and how it helps databases scale with growing data.

Imagine dividing a big book into chapters stored in different libraries.