Architecture Notes
by Mahdi Yusuf
The art of building systems. Architecture Notes by Mahdi Yusuf delivers visually stunning and deeply technical explorations of software architecture and system design.
About Architecture Notes
Architecture Notes is the 'Blueprint' of the tech world. Its weekly newsletter is famous for its 'Systems from Scratch' series—breaking down the complex architecture of world-scale apps into simple, beautiful diagrams that any engineer can follow. It's unique for its commitment to visual excellence; it is arguably the most beautiful technical newsletter in existence. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to learn how to think like a staff engineer and build systems that don't fall over.
What Makes This Newsletter Unique
Visual Clarity. They have mastered the art of using diagrams to explain the 'impossible' complexities of distributed systems.
Who Should Subscribe?
Engineers and architects who want to level up their system design skills through visual learning and real-world case studies.
Content Format
A visually-led weekly email featuring one major architectural deep-dive with original diagrams.
Pricing & Subscription Options
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- Weekly emails
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Free weekly newsletter + Paid 'Architect' status for full case studies and community
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Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unmatched visual quality and diagramming
- Excellent for interview prep and day-to-day architecture work
- Highly educational and easy to digest despite the depth
Cons
- Lower frequency (sometimes twice a month for deep dives)
- Can focus on 'ideal' architectures vs 'legacy' realities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it associated with ByteByteGo?
No, it's an independent project with a more 'boutique' and visually-stylized approach than the broader ByteByteGo platform.
How often is Architecture Notes published?
Architecture Notes is published weekly.
Who writes Architecture Notes?
Architecture Notes is written by Mahdi Yusuf. Mahdi Yusuf is a seasoned engineer and architect with a passion for visual communication in tech.
About the Author: Mahdi Yusuf
Mahdi Yusuf
Mahdi Yusuf is a seasoned engineer and architect with a passion for visual communication in tech. He founded Architecture Notes to solve the problem of dry, confusing documentation through beautiful, clean technical storytelling.
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