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Microservicessystem_design~10 mins

First microservice architecture diagram in Microservices - Interactive Code Practice

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Practice - 5 Tasks
Answer the questions below
1fill in blank
easy

Complete the code to name the main component that handles user requests in a microservice architecture.

Microservices
The entry point for client requests is the [1].
Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'
ALoad Balancer
BAPI Gateway
CCache
DDatabase
Attempts:
3 left
💡 Hint
Common Mistakes
Confusing the API Gateway with the database or cache.
2fill in blank
medium

Complete the code to identify the component responsible for storing data in a microservice architecture.

Microservices
Each microservice typically has its own [1] to store data independently.
Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'
ALoad Balancer
BMessage Broker
CAPI Gateway
DDatabase
Attempts:
3 left
💡 Hint
Common Mistakes
Mixing up databases with message brokers or API gateways.
3fill in blank
hard

Fix the error in naming the component that balances traffic among microservice instances.

Microservices
To distribute incoming requests evenly, a [1] is used.
Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'
ACache
BDatabase
CLoad Balancer
DAPI Gateway
Attempts:
3 left
💡 Hint
Common Mistakes
Confusing load balancer with API gateway or cache.
4fill in blank
hard

Fill both blanks to complete the description of communication between microservices.

Microservices
Microservices communicate asynchronously using a [1] and exchange messages in formats like [2].
Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'
AMessage Broker
BREST API
CJSON
DDatabase
Attempts:
3 left
💡 Hint
Common Mistakes
Confusing synchronous REST API with asynchronous message broker.
5fill in blank
hard

Fill all three blanks to complete the architecture components and their roles.

Microservices
The [1] routes requests, the [2] stores service data, and the [3] ensures high availability by distributing traffic.
Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'
AAPI Gateway
BDatabase
CLoad Balancer
DCache
Attempts:
3 left
💡 Hint
Common Mistakes
Mixing up the roles of cache and load balancer.

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the main role of an API Gateway in a microservice architecture?
easy
A. It stores all the data for the microservices.
B. It routes client requests to the correct microservice.
C. It runs the user interface of the application.
D. It replaces all microservices with a single service.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the API Gateway function

    The API Gateway acts as a single entry point that directs client requests to the appropriate microservice.
  2. Step 2: Compare other options

    Storing data is done by individual services, not the gateway. The UI runs separately, and the gateway does not replace microservices.
  3. Final Answer:

    It routes client requests to the correct microservice. -> Option B
  4. Quick Check:

    API Gateway = Request Router [OK]
Hint: API Gateway directs requests, it does not store data [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking API Gateway stores data
  • Confusing API Gateway with UI component
  • Assuming API Gateway replaces microservices
2. Which of the following correctly shows a microservice owning its own data?
easy
A. Multiple microservices share one database directly.
B. Microservices do not use databases at all.
C. Each microservice has its own separate database.
D. All microservices write to a single shared file.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recall microservice data ownership principle

    Each microservice should own and manage its own database to avoid tight coupling.
  2. Step 2: Evaluate options

    Sharing one database or file breaks independence. Not using databases is unrealistic for data needs.
  3. Final Answer:

    Each microservice has its own separate database. -> Option C
  4. Quick Check:

    Microservice = Own Data Store [OK]
Hint: Microservices keep data separate, no shared DB [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming all services share one database
  • Thinking microservices don't need databases
  • Using shared files for data storage
3. Given this simple microservice setup:
Client -> API Gateway -> Service A -> Service B
What happens if Service B is down when Client sends a request?
medium
A. The API Gateway automatically retries Service B until it responds.
B. The API Gateway routes the request to Service B's backup automatically.
C. The client request is handled fully by Service A without contacting Service B.
D. Service A will fail to complete the request and return an error to the client.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Trace request flow with Service B down

    The client request goes through API Gateway to Service A, which calls Service B. If Service B is down, Service A cannot complete its task.
  2. Step 2: Understand failure impact

    Without Service B responding, Service A returns an error back through the API Gateway to the client.
  3. Final Answer:

    Service A will fail to complete the request and return an error to the client. -> Option D
  4. Quick Check:

    Down service causes error response [OK]
Hint: Down service causes error, no automatic retry [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming automatic retries by API Gateway
  • Thinking Service A can handle request alone
  • Believing API Gateway has backup routing
4. In this microservice diagram, the API Gateway calls Service A and Service B directly. But Service A calls Service B internally and Service B calls Service A internally.
What is the main problem with this design?
medium
A. It creates a circular dependency between services.
B. API Gateway should not call any services directly.
C. Services should share one database instead.
D. Service A should call Service B, not the other way.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify service call relationships

    API Gateway calls both Service A and Service B, and Service A calls Service B and Service B calls Service A, forming a loop.
  2. Step 2: Understand circular dependency issues

    Circular dependencies cause tight coupling and can lead to failures or deadlocks.
  3. Final Answer:

    It creates a circular dependency between services. -> Option A
  4. Quick Check:

    Circular calls = Bad design [OK]
Hint: Avoid circular calls between microservices [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking API Gateway shouldn't call services
  • Believing shared database fixes call loops
  • Assuming call direction must be reversed
5. You want to design a microservice architecture for an online store with these needs:
- User service manages user profiles
- Product service manages product info
- Order service creates orders and needs user and product data

Which architecture diagram best fits these requirements?
hard
A. Client -> API Gateway -> User Service, Product Service, Order Service; Order Service calls User and Product Services internally.
B. Client -> API Gateway -> Order Service only; Order Service manages users and products internally.
C. Client -> API Gateway -> User Service and Product Service only; Order Service is part of API Gateway.
D. Client -> API Gateway -> User Service; Product Service calls Order Service; Order Service calls User Service.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Analyze service responsibilities

    User and Product services manage their own data. Order service needs to create orders using data from both.
  2. Step 2: Check communication flow

    Order service calling User and Product services internally keeps responsibilities clear and allows data ownership.
  3. Step 3: Evaluate options

    Client -> API Gateway -> User Service, Product Service, Order Service; Order Service calls User and Product Services internally. matches this design. Others either merge services incorrectly or create wrong call flows.
  4. Final Answer:

    Client -> API Gateway -> User Service, Product Service, Order Service; Order Service calls User and Product Services internally. -> Option A
  5. Quick Check:

    Order service calls needed services [OK]
Hint: Order service calls user and product services internally [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Merging all logic into one service
  • Placing order service inside API Gateway
  • Incorrect service call directions