An online auction system is a platform where sellers list items for sale and buyers compete by placing bids within a specified time window. The highest bidder at the end of the auction wins the item.
Loading simulation...
The core challenge lies in handling concurrent bids, ensuring fair winner determination, and providing real-time updates to all participants. Unlike traditional e-commerce where prices are fixed, auctions introduce time-sensitive competition that requires careful handling of race conditions and precise timing.
Popular Examples: eBay, Christie's Online, Sotheby's, Heritage Auctions
In this chapter, we will explore the high-level design of an online auction system.
This system design problem tests your understanding of concurrency control, real-time systems, and time-sensitive distributed operations.
Lets start by clarifying the requirements: