MoreRSS

site iconThe Practical DeveloperModify

A constructive and inclusive social network for software developers.
Please copy the RSS to your reader, or quickly subscribe to:

Inoreader Feedly Follow Feedbin Local Reader

Rss preview of Blog of The Practical Developer

10 Must Read System Design Interview Books for Software Engineers

2025-03-09 22:10:37

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links; I may receive compensation if you purchase products or services from the different links provided in this article.

Must Read System Design Interview Books for Software Engineers

Hello folks, if you are preparing for tech interviews in 2025 then you must have thought about System design interview, one of the toughest part of tech interviews.

Not many people can crack it because of its open ended and vast nature, in fact, I have failed many System design interviews in the past before I cracked one.

One of the important thing on System design interview preparation is selection of resources, if you can get good resources, half of your job done and that's where I am sharing my experienced recommendations.

Earlier, I have shred System Design Resources , Courses, and System design Interview Questions and in this article, I am going to share books you can read to prepare for System design interviews.

These are not like any other books but written by former Google and Amazon engineers and hiring managers, so you will go learn from those who have cracked the System design interviews themselves.

They know in and out of these questions, like how to start, what to mention and how to drive the interview and you will gonna learn all these by reading books.

So, what are we waiting for? let's start ....

By the way, if you are preparing for System design interviews and want to learn System Design in-depth then you can also check sites like ByteByteGo, Design Guru, Exponent, Educative, Codemia.io, and Udemy which has many great System design courses, including a System design template which you can use to describe architecture of any distributed system.

System Design Interview cheat sheet

10 Best System Design Interview Books for FAANG/MAANG Interviews

Here's a curated list of the top 10 system design interview books in 2025, offering comprehensive guidance and in-depth solutions to ace your next interview:

1. System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide by Alex Xu

This is an indispensable resource for system design interviews in 2025 . Authored by Alex Xu, one of the popular System design expert and creator of ByteByteGo, this book offers a comprehensive strategy and knowledge base for tackling a wide array of system design questions.

It presents a step-by-step framework, accompanied by real-world examples and detailed solutions, to help readers master the art of system design.

In this book you will find :

  • Insights into the expectations of interviewers and the reasoning behind their questions.
  • A 4-step framework for systematically approaching system design interview questions.
  • 16 detailed system design interview questions with comprehensive solutions.
  • 188 diagrams to visually illustrate the workings of various systems.

From scaling to millions of users to designing intricate systems like YouTube and Google Drive, each chapter covers essential topics in system design.

With its practical approach and abundance of real-world examples, "System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide (Volume 1)" will give you all the tools and knowledge needed to excel in system design interviews and land their dream job in the tech industry.

For better preparation , I also suggest you to checkout his website, ByteByteGowhich is digital version of both of System design interview book Plus more System design content. It's full of interesting diagrams to learn key System design concepts easily.

Is System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide by Alex Xu good for FAANG interview

2. System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide: Volume 2 by Alex Xu and Sahn Lam

This book is a compelling sequel to its predecessor, offering a fresh set of system design interview questions and solutions.

While familiarity with Volume 1 is beneficial, it's not mandatory, making this volume accessible to readers with a basic understanding of distributed systems.

This book will teach you robust strategy and knowledge base for tackling diverse system design questions encountered in interviews.

With a step-by-step framework and numerous real-world examples, it guides readers through systematic approaches to problem-solving, instilling confidence for the interview process.

Key highlights include:

  • Insights into the expectations of interviewers and the rationale behind their questions.
  • A 4-step framework for systematically approaching system design interview questions.
  • 13 detailed system design interview questions with comprehensive solutions.
  • Over 300 diagrams to visually elucidate the workings of various systems.

From proximity services to stock exchanges, each chapter delves into essential topics in system design, offering invaluable insights and solutions.

The "System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide (Volume 2)" will teach you how to excel in system design interviews and navigate the complexities of distributed systems with confidence.

You can also combine this book with the courses likeGrokking the System Design Course on DesignGurus for better preparation. You will not only learn better but in a more engaging way than just reading books.

Is System Design Interview --- An Insider's Guide: Volume 2 must read for engineers

3. Machine Learning System Design Interview by Ali Aminian and Alex Xu

This is the 3rd book by Alex Xu and teach but it's slightly different as it focus on ML Design. Machine learning system design interviews present some of the most challenging technical questions encountered in the field.

This comprehensive book offers a dependable strategy and knowledge base for navigating a wide spectrum of ML system design queries. Providing you with a step-by-step framework, it simplifies the process of approaching ML system design questions.

With a plethora of real-world examples, the book illustrates systematic approaches, offering detailed steps for implementation.

Tailored specifically for ML System Design interview preparation, it equips readers with essential insights and techniques for success.

Key features include:

  • Insights into interviewer expectations and underlying motivations.
  • A comprehensive 7-step framework for systematically tackling ML system design interview questions.
  • Detailed solutions to 10 real-world ML system design interview questions.
  • Over 200 diagrams elucidating the inner workings of various systems.

From recommendations systems, visual search systems to personalized news feeds, each chapter explores critical ML system design topics, providing valuable guidance and solutions. Whether you're embarking on your ML journey or preparing for an upcoming interview, this book is an invaluable asset

If you need practical experience, you can also checkout Frank Kane's Building Recommender Systems with Machine Learning and AI course on Udemy, its a great course to see Machine Learning and AI in action and also prepare for interviews'.

Is Machine Learning System Design Interview worth it

4. Hacking the System Design Interview: Real Big Tech Interview Questions and In-depth Solutions by Stanley Chiang

Written by a seasoned software engineer from Google, this book provides comprehensive guidance on acing system design interviews.

Drawing from extensive experience and real interview scenarios from major tech companies, it offers detailed solutions to a wide array of system design questions.

Key highlights of the book include:

  • A systematic approach to tackling system design questions, accompanied by step-by-step solutions.
  • Exploration of fundamental software and system concepts, distilled from over 15 years of industry experience.
  • Insightful discussions on recurring components and building blocks of systems, such as web servers, distributed caches, and asynchronous queues.
  • In-depth coverage of database concepts, distributed system principles, and service design patterns.

With a focus on practical learning, the book delves into the design of various system components, including web servers, API gateways, and distributed caches.

Additionally, it presents real-world examples and solutions to system design interview questions, covering topics like Newsfeed optimization, Rideshare applications, and distributed message queues.

In short, a great book to read for System design interview preparation in 2025 and if you want, you can also combine this with theGrokking Modern System Design for Software Engineers & Managers course on Educative.io, an interactive website for coding interview preparation.

I really like how it allows you to code and solve system design problems on browser.

Is Hacking the System Design Interview: Real Big Tech Interview worth it

5. Acing the System Design Interview by Zhiyong Tan

The system design interview is infamous as one of the toughest hurdles in the software engineering hiring process. Yet fear not!

In 'Acing the System Design Interview,' author Zhiyong Tan teaches you with the insights, skills, and hands-on practice needed to conquer even the most challenging system design questions.

This practical guide presents a structured and organized approach to presenting system design ideas. From scaling applications to managing distributed transactions and implementing common API paradigms, you'll master essential topics such as caching strategies, logging, monitoring, and communication skills crucial for system design interviews.

Drawing from years of experience, Tan shares invaluable insights and interview techniques, helping you navigate through the complexity of system design interviews with confidence.

With real-world examples and practical advice, this book empowers you to mentally perfect different kinds of systems and excel in your interviews.

Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, this masterclass will not only help you succeed in interviews but also excel in the actual work of great system design and if you want, you can also combine this with Exponents' System Design Interview Course which has has 36 lessons on Software design and interviews.

Is Acing the System Design Interview worth it

6. The System Design Interview, 2nd Edition by Lewis C. Lin and Shivam P. Patel

"The System Design Interview" by Lewis C. Lin and Shivam P. Patel is an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for a system design interview.

Authored by industry professionals hailing from Facebook and Google, this comprehensive book offers insider perspectives and proven techniques to help you ace your interview with confidence.

At the heart of the book lies the PEDALS method™, a six-step framework designed to demystify the system design interview process.

From understanding process requirements to scaling the architecture, PEDALS provides a clear and structured approach to tackling even the most complex system design questions.

Featuring detailed examples and practical advice, the book also covers a wide range of popular system design questions, including designing solutions for YouTube, Twitter, AutoSuggest, and TinyURL.

Additionally, it addresses key topics such as estimating server needs, designing data models, drawing architecture diagrams, and scaling cloud architectures.

Whether you're a software engineer, product manager, or aspiring tech professional, "The System Design Interview" equips you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel in your system design interview and propel your career forward.

And, if you need more practice, you can join**Master the Coding Interview: System Design + Architecture **. course by Andrew Negaoie and his team on ZTM Academy.

Is The System Design Interview, 2nd Edition worth it

7. Machine Learning Design Interview: Machine Learning System Design Interview by Khang Pham

Machine Learning Design Interview book by Khang Pham offers a comprehensive guide to mastering machine learning system design interviews.

Key features of the book include:

  • Detailed coverage of common machine learning design interview questions encountered at leading tech companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Google, Uber, and LinkedIn.
  • Targeted towards data scientists, software engineers, or data engineers with a background in machine learning who are looking to transition to working on machine learning at scale.

Whether you're aiming to land a role at a top tech company or seeking to enhance your machine learning design skills, "Machine Learning Design Interview" provides valuable insights and practical knowledge for success in machine learning system design interviews.

If you need more system design questions,System Design Interview Guide by Sandeep Kaul (Tech Lead @ Facebook)is also a great resource to keep in mind.

best book for machine learning system design interview

8. Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems

The "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" by Martin Kleppmann is a good standard book on system design. Recommended by thousands of developers, this book offers a profound exploration into the intricate world of data management and system design.

At the heart of modern system design challenges lies data, surrounded by a myriad of complexities including scalability, consistency, reliability, and efficiency.

Author Martin Kleppmann adeptly navigates this diverse landscape, offering practical guidance on selecting the right tools for processing and storing data.

By examining the pros and cons of various technologies, software engineers and architects gain valuable insights into making informed decisions and harnessing the power of data in their applications.

This comprehensive guide doesn't just scratch the surface; it delves deep into fundamental principles, providing readers with the knowledge and tools needed to operate and optimize systems effectively.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" equips you with the understanding of distributed systems research and the architectures behind major online services, empowering you to tackle the challenges of modern system design with confidence.

And, for active learning, you can also take System Design Interview Guide for Software Architecture course on Udemy to learn System design and Software Architecture in depth.

best system design books for experienced developers

9. System Design at Google: Engineering Peak for Interviews (System Design Interview)

This is another great book you can read or check for System design interview preparation and mastering system design interviews, authored by a team including Aditya Chatterjee, Chew Chee Keng, Harshita Singh, Kirti Singh, and others.

Despite its rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars from 1 rating, this book stands out as a comprehensive guide for understanding system design principles, particularly within the context of Google's developer products and services with over 1 billion active users.

Divided into two major sections, the book covers developer products such as BigQuery, BigTable, Hadoop, and Dapper, as well as Google products like YouTube, Google Search, and Google Maps.

By delving into the architecture and design of these highly scalable systems, readers gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to excel in system design interviews.

This book not only helps readers prepare for system design interviews but also teach them with the skills needed to work on highly scalable systems and utilize state-of-the-art developer tools.

With a focus on practical calculations and estimations for real-world production systems, "System Design at Google" offers a unique perspective that can significantly impact one's career trajectory.

You can also combine this book with the Rocking System Design by Rajdeep Saha on Udemy. It's a great course to practice System design questions.

Is System Design at Google: Engineering Peak for Interviews book worth it

10. Mastering the System Design Interview: Insider tips for your system design interview from a former Amazon hiring manager

This is last book on my list but it is your ultimate guide to mastering the challenging system design portion of technical interviews.

Authored by former Amazon hiring manager Frank Kane, who brings a wealth of experience from interviewing thousands of software engineers and hiring hundreds, this book equips you with insider tips, tricks, and practice interviews to boost your confidence and maximize your chances of success.

With a focus on practical techniques and real-world scenarios, the book covers essential topics including scaling distributed systems, database technologies, caching strategies, resiliency, distributed storage solutions, algorithms, and data structures.

Additionally, it provides insights into processing big data with Apache Spark, leveraging cloud computing resources, and structuring your system design interview effectively.

Featuring six full mock interviews with authentic system design questions from top tech employers, this book offers invaluable practice to sharpen your skills and enhance your performance.

Whether you're a seasoned software engineer or in need of extra preparation for a challenging interview, "Ace Your System Design Interview" provides the tools and strategies necessary to excel in your next tech interview and secure your dream job.

You can also combine this book with Frank's Mastering the System Design Interviewcourse on Udemy for better and quicker learning.

Is Mastering the System Design Interview: Insider tips book worth it

That's all about the 10 best System Design Interview books for Software Engineers in 2025. These system design interview books covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to advanced techniques, providing aspiring software engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their interviews and advance their careers in the tech industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to system design, these books offer valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed in your next interview.

P. S. --- If you are looking for a online course to learn System Design in depth then I also suggest you to checkout Frank Kane's Mastering the System Design Interview course on Udemy.

Frank is an ex-hiring manager and know what it takes to crack System design interview of those big FAANG companies .

Alternatively , you can also join Alex Yu's System Design Interview --- An insider's guide and ByteByteGo for a complete System design Interview preparation.

And, if you haven't read, you can also read 10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers and 10 Must Read Algorithms Books I have shared earlier, it contains books on software engineering, data structures, and algorithms for software engineers and developers.

10 Must Read Software Engineering Books for Developers

All the best with your System Design interview !!

Devops Real Time Project (Nginx Web server hosting content)

2025-03-09 22:08:40

A huge thanks to Aditya Jaiswal for providing such informative content to the community—your contributions are truly above and beyond!

In this project we are going to serve a static content through nginx web server ,here we have to know:
what is a web server?
It stores or serves content to the client over the internet.
content type:
static content: IN this content mainly stores in webserver(i.e. in webserver storage)-may be html pages, images, videos etc..(not changing frequently)
Dynamic content: We can't easily stores the content in web pages we need separate database as it frequent changes accord to the requirement(we have to deployment the aplication for that).
Lets jump up to nginx (engine-x) web server: it is a web server but being a webserver it can perform tasks like :
1/webserver
2/Load balancer
3/Http cache
4/api gateway
5/reverse proxy server

DevOps #RealTimeProject #Nginx #WebServer #DevOpsShack #AdityaJaiswal #Cloud #Automation #Infrastructure #CI/CD

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

here are some hand written notes with screenshot which will deliver a smooth experience.
how I did this project..

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Image description

Mastering Productivity: A Comprehensive Guide to Shortcut Keys for macOS, Windows, and Linux

2025-03-09 22:00:24

In the world of software development and tech, efficiency is key. Whether you're coding, debugging, or managing files, knowing the right keyboard shortcuts can save you hours of time and make your workflow smoother. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential shortcut keys for macOS, Windows, and Linux, helping you become a keyboard ninja across all major operating systems.

Why Use Shortcut Keys?

Before diving into the shortcuts, let’s talk about why they matter:

  • Speed: Perform tasks faster than using a mouse.
  • Efficiency: Keep your hands on the keyboard, reducing context switching.
  • Productivity: Streamline repetitive tasks and focus on what matters.

Now, let’s break down the shortcuts for each OS.

macOS Shortcut Keys

macOS is known for its sleek design and intuitive shortcuts. Here are the most essential ones:

General Shortcuts

  • Cmd + Space: Open Spotlight Search (quickly find files, apps, and more).
  • Cmd + Tab: Switch between open applications.
  • Cmd + Q: Quit the current application.
  • Cmd + W: Close the current window.
  • Cmd + H: Hide the current application.
  • Cmd + M: Minimize the current window.
  • Cmd + , (Comma): Open preferences for the current app.

File Management

  • Cmd + N: Open a new window or document.
  • Cmd + O: Open a file.
  • Cmd + S: Save the current file.
  • Cmd + Shift + S: Save As (duplicate and save with a new name).
  • Cmd + P: Print the current document.
  • Cmd + Z: Undo the last action.
  • Cmd + Shift + Z: Redo the last action.

Text Editing

  • Cmd + C: Copy selected text or item.
  • Cmd + X: Cut selected text or item.
  • Cmd + V: Paste copied or cut text or item.
  • Cmd + A: Select all text or items.
  • Cmd + F: Find text in a document or webpage.
  • Cmd + B: Bold selected text.
  • Cmd + I: Italicize selected text.
  • Cmd + U: Underline selected text.

System Controls

  • Cmd + Option + Esc: Force quit an application.
  • Cmd + Control + Power Button: Force restart your Mac.
  • Cmd + Shift + 3: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
  • Cmd + Shift + 4: Take a screenshot of a selected area.
  • Cmd + Shift + 5: Open the screenshot toolbar (macOS Mojave and later).

Windows Shortcut Keys

Windows is the most widely used OS, and its shortcuts are designed for versatility. Here’s a rundown of the most useful ones:

General Shortcuts

  • Win (Windows key): Open the Start menu.
  • Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
  • Win + E: Open File Explorer.
  • Win + L: Lock your computer.
  • Win + Tab: Open Task View (virtual desktops and app history).
  • Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
  • Alt + F4: Close the current window or app.

File Management

  • Ctrl + N: Open a new window or document.
  • Ctrl + O: Open a file.
  • Ctrl + S: Save the current file.
  • Ctrl + Shift + S: Save As.
  • Ctrl + P: Print the current document.
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
  • Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.

Text Editing

  • Ctrl + C: Copy selected text or item.
  • Ctrl + X: Cut selected text or item.
  • Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text or item.
  • Ctrl + A: Select all text or items.
  • Ctrl + F: Find text in a document or webpage.
  • Ctrl + B: Bold selected text.
  • Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text.
  • Ctrl + U: Underline selected text.

System Controls

  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager.
  • Win + I: Open Settings.
  • Win + R: Open the Run dialog box.
  • Win + Shift + S: Take a screenshot of a selected area (Windows 10 and later).
  • Win + PrtScn: Take a screenshot and save it to the Screenshots folder.

Linux Shortcut Keys

Linux is a favorite among developers, and its shortcuts are highly customizable. Here are the most common ones for popular distributions like Ubuntu:

General Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + Alt + T: Open the terminal.
  • Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
  • Super (Windows key): Open the application menu.
  • Ctrl + Q: Close the current application.
  • Ctrl + Alt + L: Lock the screen.

File Management

  • Ctrl + N: Open a new window or document.
  • Ctrl + O: Open a file.
  • Ctrl + S: Save the current file.
  • Ctrl + Shift + S: Save As.
  • Ctrl + P: Print the current document.
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
  • Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.

Text Editing

  • Ctrl + C: Copy selected text or item.
  • Ctrl + X: Cut selected text or item.
  • Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text or item.
  • Ctrl + A: Select all text or items.
  • Ctrl + F: Find text in a document or webpage.
  • Ctrl + B: Bold selected text.
  • Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text.
  • Ctrl + U: Underline selected text.

System Controls

  • Ctrl + Alt + Del: Open the system monitor or log out menu.
  • Ctrl + Alt + F1 to F7: Switch between virtual terminals.
  • Alt + F2: Open the run command dialog.
  • Print Screen: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
  • Alt + Print Screen: Take a screenshot of the current window.

Terminal Shortcuts (Linux)

  • Ctrl + C: Kill the current process.
  • Ctrl + Z: Suspend the current process.
  • Ctrl + L: Clear the terminal screen.
  • Ctrl + A: Move the cursor to the beginning of the line.
  • Ctrl + E: Move the cursor to the end of the line.
  • Ctrl + U: Clear the line before the cursor.
  • Ctrl + K: Clear the line after the cursor.
  • Ctrl + R: Search command history.

Cross-Platform Shortcuts

Here are some shortcuts that work similarly across macOS, Windows, and Linux:

  • Ctrl/Cmd + S: Save.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + C: Copy.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + V: Paste.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Z: Undo.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + F: Find.
  • Ctrl/Cmd + A: Select All.

Conclusion

Mastering keyboard shortcuts is a game-changer for developers and tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re working on macOS, Windows, or Linux, these shortcuts will help you work faster and smarter. Start incorporating them into your daily workflow, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without them.

What’s your favorite keyboard shortcut? Share it in the comments below! And if you have any tips or tricks for boosting productivity, let’s hear them. Happy coding! 💻✨

Pro Tip: Many applications (like IDEs, text editors, and browsers) have their own set of shortcuts. Don’t forget to explore those for even more efficiency!

Introducing My New Project Tarin, A TypeScript Backend Library For API Development

2025-03-09 21:57:09

Introduction

While working on a full-stack project, I built both the frontend and backend API myself. The problem? Manually documenting the API was tedious and time-consuming. So, I started looking for a self-documenting API library for Node.js on Google and npm—but surprisingly, I couldn’t find one. I did come across Tapir, a great project for Scala, but I needed something similar for TypeScript. Since nothing existed, I decided to build my own—and that’s how this project began.

What is Tarin?

Tarin is a robust backend library for Node.js, purpose-built to streamline the definition of API endpoints while automatically generating API documentation in compliance with the OpenAPI Specification standard. It is specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of backend development using TypeScript and Node.js.

Key Features

Compile-time and Runtime Input/Output Validation:

Ensures reliable API behavior with validation at both compile-time (via TypeScript autocompletion and type-checking) and runtime.

Strongly Typed Endpoint Logic:

Simplifies endpoint implementation with strict input and output type enforcement for enhanced clarity and maintainability.

Automated OpenAPI Documentation Generation:

Automatically generates API documentation that conforms to the OpenAPI Specification, reducing manual effort and ensuring accuracy.

How to Get Started

You can check out the full documentation here: Tarin Documentation.

The project is open source, so feel free to explore the code, contribute, or report any issues on GitHub: Tarin on GitHub.

Soaring with Silicon: A Comprehensive Guide to Computers in the Aviation Industry

2025-03-09 21:53:53

The aviation industry is one of the most technologically advanced sectors in the world, relying heavily on computers to ensure safety, efficiency, and precision. From the cockpit of an airplane to the control towers at airports, computers play a critical role in every aspect of aviation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various types of computers used in flying machines, airports, and helipads, and how they contribute to the seamless operation of the aviation ecosystem.

Computers in Flying Machines

Modern aircraft are essentially flying data centers, equipped with numerous computers that manage everything from navigation to passenger comfort. Here are the key types of computers used in airplanes and helicopters:

1. Flight Management System (FMS)

The Flight Management System (FMS) is the brain of an aircraft’s navigation and flight planning. It integrates data from multiple sensors, including GPS, inertial navigation systems, and air data computers, to calculate the optimal flight path. The FMS also automates tasks like throttle control and waypoint navigation, reducing pilot workload.

  • Key Functions: Flight planning, navigation, fuel optimization.
  • Why It Matters: The FMS ensures precise navigation and efficient fuel consumption, which are critical for long-haul flights.

2. Autopilot System

The Autopilot System is a computer that controls the aircraft’s flight without constant manual input from the pilot. It uses data from the FMS and sensors to maintain altitude, heading, and speed. Advanced autopilot systems can even perform automated landings in low-visibility conditions.

  • Key Functions: Altitude control, heading control, automated landings.
  • Why It Matters: Autopilot reduces pilot fatigue and enhances safety, especially during long flights or challenging weather conditions.

3. Engine Control Unit (ECU)

The Engine Control Unit (ECU), also known as the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) in aviation, manages the aircraft’s engines. It optimizes fuel flow, monitors engine performance, and ensures smooth operation under all conditions.

  • Key Functions: Fuel management, engine performance monitoring, fault detection.
  • Why It Matters: The ECU maximizes engine efficiency and reliability, which are critical for both safety and cost-effectiveness.

4. Air Data Computer (ADC)

The Air Data Computer (ADC) processes data from sensors that measure air pressure, temperature, and speed. It provides critical information like altitude, airspeed, and vertical speed to the pilot and other onboard systems.

  • Key Functions: Altitude calculation, airspeed measurement, temperature monitoring.
  • Why It Matters: The ADC ensures accurate flight data, which is essential for safe navigation and performance.

5. Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS)

The Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) replaces traditional analog gauges with digital displays in the cockpit. It provides pilots with real-time information about the aircraft’s status, including navigation, engine performance, and system diagnostics.

  • Key Functions: Data visualization, system monitoring, navigation display.
  • Why It Matters: EFIS enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload by presenting information in a clear, intuitive format.

6. Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS)

The Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) is used primarily in helicopters to monitor the condition of critical components like rotors, engines, and transmissions. It uses sensors and data analytics to predict maintenance needs and prevent failures.

  • Key Functions: Vibration monitoring, fault detection, predictive maintenance.
  • Why It Matters: HUMS improves safety and reduces maintenance costs by identifying issues before they become critical.

Computers in Airports

Airports are complex hubs that rely on a wide range of computers to manage operations, security, and passenger services. Here are the key types of computers used in airports:

1. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Systems

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) system is the backbone of airport operations. It uses radar, GPS, and communication systems to monitor and manage the movement of aircraft in and around the airport. ATC computers provide real-time data to controllers, enabling them to guide aircraft safely.

  • Key Functions: Aircraft tracking, collision avoidance, communication management.
  • Why It Matters: ATC systems are essential for maintaining safe and efficient air traffic flow.

2. Baggage Handling Systems

The Baggage Handling System uses computers to track and sort luggage as it moves through the airport. Automated scanners and conveyor belts ensure that bags are routed to the correct flights and passengers.

  • Key Functions: Baggage tracking, sorting, and routing.
  • Why It Matters: Efficient baggage handling reduces delays and improves the passenger experience.

3. Passenger Processing Systems

These systems include computers used for check-in, security screening, and boarding. They integrate with airline databases to verify passenger information and streamline the boarding process.

  • Key Functions: Check-in, security screening, boarding management.
  • Why It Matters: Passenger processing systems enhance efficiency and security at airports.

4. Runway and Taxiway Management Systems

These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor runway and taxiway conditions. They provide real-time data to ground controllers, helping them manage aircraft movements and prevent collisions.

  • Key Functions: Runway monitoring, collision avoidance, ground traffic management.
  • Why It Matters: These systems ensure safe and efficient ground operations at busy airports.

Computers in Helipads

Helipads, whether standalone or part of a larger facility like a hospital or airport, also rely on computers for safe and efficient operations. Here are the key types of computers used in helipads:

1. Helipad Lighting Control Systems

These systems use computers to manage the lighting on helipads, ensuring they are visible to pilots during day and night operations. Automated systems can adjust lighting based on weather conditions and time of day.

  • Key Functions: Lighting control, weather adaptation, visibility enhancement.
  • Why It Matters: Proper lighting is critical for safe helicopter landings and takeoffs.

2. Helicopter Landing Systems (HLS)

The Helicopter Landing System (HLS) uses computers to guide pilots during landing, especially in low-visibility conditions. It integrates with navigation systems to provide precise guidance.

  • Key Functions: Landing guidance, obstacle detection, navigation integration.
  • Why It Matters: HLS enhances safety during helicopter operations, particularly in challenging environments.

3. Weather Monitoring Systems

Helipads often have weather monitoring systems that provide real-time data on wind speed, temperature, and visibility. These systems help pilots make informed decisions about landing and takeoff.

  • Key Functions: Weather data collection, real-time reporting, decision support.
  • Why It Matters: Accurate weather data is essential for safe helicopter operations.

Conclusion

The aviation industry is a testament to the power of computer technology, with systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and precision at every level. From the cockpit to the control tower, computers are the unsung heroes of modern aviation. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more advanced systems to take flight, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient air travel.

Whether you’re a developer, engineer, or aviation enthusiast, the intersection of computing and aviation offers endless opportunities for innovation. So the next time you board a plane or watch a helicopter take off, take a moment to appreciate the incredible technology that makes it all possible.

What’s your favorite aviation computer or system? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re passionate about aviation tech, stay tuned for more insights into this fascinating field. ✈️🚁💻

Attacking WebDAV Protocol

2025-03-09 21:53:05

WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authority Version) is a legacy protocol that can be defined as an extension of the HTTP protocol for collaborative file editing, as well as remote file management from an application. As mentioned, WebDAV is an obsolete protocol, but it is still relevant, given that it was exploited by Bumblebee malware back in 2023.

Image description

There are usually routes in the application like /webdav, which require login via dialog box (although it is possible to log in via URL), and the default credentials are usually webdav:webdav, but since this is not the law, we can try to brute-force it with Hydra.

hydra -L <user wordlist> -P <password wordlist> <host> http-get /webdav

Once logged into the WebDAV protocol we would be redirected to a directory listing, but more interesting than listing the files, we can test uploading a reverse shell via the HTTP PUT method:

curl -T <reverse shell> <URL>

Note: a particularity of PHP is that it does not overwrite existing files.

From there, just run the commands and be happy!