How Systems Work

Browse the system explainers by topic.

Open a card to read a plain-English breakdown of how the system actually works. Each article follows the same structure: the simple story first, then the pieces behind the curtain, then the routing flow and the viewer takeaways.

Streaming

Netflix

How the app shell, gateway, cache, recommendation layer, and Open Connect delivery network work together to keep browsing and playback smooth.

App shellOpen ConnectRecommendations
Navigation

Waze

How GPS signals, map matching, traffic ingestion, and routing decisions keep directions current while you are already moving.

TrafficGPSReroute
Marketplace

Uber

How dispatch, pricing, ETA calculation, location updates, and trip state keep the ride marketplace in sync.

DispatchETATrip state
Quick Commerce

Blinkit

How live inventory, store operations, rider dispatch, and ETA updates keep the fast delivery promise believable.

InventoryStore opsRider dispatch
Food Delivery

Swiggy

How menu discovery, order orchestration, restaurant integration, rider handoff, and live tracking keep the meal flow moving.

MenuOrder flowTracking
Maps

Google Maps

How search, geocoding, map tiles, routing, traffic, and rerouting turn a typed address into live directions.

SearchRoutingTraffic

Choose a topic to continue. The section hub is the entry point; the cards below are the actual articles.