Lead with the default architecture, then survive the deep-dive probes.
Name it
Say what this problem really is, professionally — the concept + when it bites.
Explain it out loud
Say it in your own words — but hit these: source of truth · state machine · audit log · outbox · async workers · idempotent
checking microphone…
Code it (7-step rhythm, narrate)
Clarify → approach → data model → narrate → edge → test → tradeoff. AI off. Design canvas →
Edge cases — say + handle each
Say the trade-off
“Pick the weakest mechanism that meets the requirement; add a cache, realtime, or a queue only when the numbers force it.”
checking microphone…
Answer the follow-up
What's your default architecture for a stateful service?