Go to GitHub and search for excalidraw system design chat . Clone a repository that contains editable system design diagrams. Redraw Alex Xu’s architecture from memory using a free tool like Excalidraw or Diagrams.net.
by Alex Xu and Sahn Lam is available as a physical copy and digital version, with several community-contributed notes and PDF links hosted on platforms like GitHub and Scribd. This second volume functions as a sequel to the first, focusing on complex, real-world case studies and advanced distributed system trade-offs. Go to GitHub and search for excalidraw system design chat
Each chapter wraps up with "real-world improvement areas," teaching you how to think like a staff engineer who cares about maintenance and cost. Finding Your Copy by Alex Xu and Sahn Lam is available
Alex Xu’s books are available on the (formerly Safari Books Online). Many engineers have free access via their university or corporate GitHub Student/Enterprise pack. If you log into O'Reilly via your GitHub account, you can legally read Volume 2 online in high-res PDF format within your browser. Finding Your Copy Alex Xu’s books are available
Read Volume 1 first. Use Volume 2 to specialize. If you cannot find Volume 2 on GitHub legally, buy it. The $40 is cheaper than failing a $500k/year Senior Staff interview.
The search strongly implies an intent to locate a pirated copy, as legitimate PDFs are distributed freely by the publisher.
