Computer Architecture
The hardware your code runs on, and why it affects performance.
Backend Engineer
Junior
Write correct code, ship small changes safely, ask good questions.
- CPUThe processor that executes instructions.
- RAMFast, temporary memory for running programs.
- 32-bit vs 64-bitThe size of numbers and addresses a CPU handles natively.
- CPU CoreAn independent processing unit; modern CPUs have several.
- SSD vs HDDStorage types and their very different speeds.
Mid-level
Own a feature end to end without hand-holding.
- CPU CacheSmall, very fast memory close to the CPU (L1, L2, L3).
- GPUA processor for massively parallel work like graphics and ML.
- How a CPU Executes ProgramsFetch, decode, execute: how instructions actually run.
- Instruction Set (x86, ARM)The machine instructions a CPU family understands.
- Latency Numbers Every Programmer Should KnowRough costs of cache, memory, disk and network access.
Senior
Own a system, its failure modes, and its trade-offs.
- InterruptA signal that makes the CPU pause and handle an event.
- Cache LocalityAccessing memory that's close together is much faster.
- RegistersThe tiny, fastest storage inside the CPU.
Principal
Set technical direction for the organization.
- SIMDOne instruction operating on multiple data values at once.
Data Engineer
Junior
Build and fix pipelines from clear specs; write correct SQL.
- CPUThe processor that executes instructions.
- RAMFast, temporary memory for running programs.
- SSD vs HDDStorage types and their very different speeds.
Mid-level
Own pipelines and models end to end, including their quality.
- GPUA processor for massively parallel work like graphics and ML.
- Latency Numbers Every Programmer Should KnowRough costs of cache, memory, disk and network access.
Frontend Engineer
Junior
Build UI that works, ship small changes safely, ask good questions.
- CPUThe processor that executes instructions.
- RAMFast, temporary memory for running programs.
- 32-bit vs 64-bitThe size of numbers and addresses a CPU handles natively.
- CPU CoreAn independent processing unit; modern CPUs have several.
- SSD vs HDDStorage types and their very different speeds.
Mid-level
Own a feature end to end without hand-holding.
- CPU CacheSmall, very fast memory close to the CPU (L1, L2, L3).
- GPUA processor for massively parallel work like graphics and ML.
- How a CPU Executes ProgramsFetch, decode, execute: how instructions actually run.
- Instruction Set (x86, ARM)The machine instructions a CPU family understands.
- Latency Numbers Every Programmer Should KnowRough costs of cache, memory, disk and network access.
Senior
Own an app's architecture, performance, and failure modes.
- Cache LocalityAccessing memory that's close together is much faster.