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Introduction
A distributed system has parts spread across several networked devices. The art of designing distributed systems is known as system design. Hey Ninja, In this article, we will discuss the system design and the definition of HLD and LLD.
We will further learn about the basic principles of High-Level Design and Low-Level Design. After discussing some pros and cons of both HLD and LLD, we will also see the difference between high-level design and low-level design.
What is High-Level Design(HLD)?
HLD(High-Level Design) is the initial stage of designing, commonly known as HLD. It offers a comprehensive overview of the system architecture. It describes the main components of the system and how they interact. A customer must involve the HLD to confirm that the system's performance, functionality, and scalability satisfy their needs. Hence, HLD is also known as macro-level design.
The purpose of HLD is to present a clear and broad understanding of the system's performance, scalability, and functionality. HLD describes the system architecture, which includes a database design and a synopsis of the systems' platforms and services. It also describes the relationships between the modules present in the system.
Examples: System architectural documentation, app development flowcharts, and other items are examples of HLD in software development.
Pros of High-Level Design
It serves as the foundation for the stakeholders' acceptance of the suggested solution.
Project planners can determine the project's cost and evaluate its risk using high-level estimations produced from the HLD.
It also describes significant limitations and trade-offs of the system.
The HLD is a fantastic tool for collaboration and communication. It is a forum for exchanging opinions on a difficult system.
It also does not provide any essential data validation rules nor tackles concerns likeerror handlingand recovery.
What is Low Level Design(LLD)?
The low-level design is commonly abbreviated as LLD. It contains a detailed description of every module of the system. Following HLD, LLD presents a more thorough, technical depiction of the system. It also provides a detailed description of the particular algorithms, data structures, and interfaces to be employed between the system components. A client should know the LLD to confirm that the proposed design is workable and that the system will satisfy their needs. LLD changes the High-Level design into a detailed Solution.
The main aim of LLD is to deliver a comprehensive, step-by-step implementation plan for the system. LLD also provides essential data validation rules and tackles error handling and recovery concerns.
It consists of a detailed pseudocode or other representation of the algorithms and data structures to be employed. It also includes a step-by-step plan for the system's implementation.
LLD provides essential data validation rules. It also tackles error handling and recovery concerns.
It creates software with little testing and debugging.
It can easily communicate with hardware devices.
Cons of Low-Level Design
Low-level language programs are not portable and are machine dependent.
The content is highly technical and hence not easy to understand.
The productivity of low-level programming is poor.
Differences between High Level Design(HLD) and Low Level Design(LLD)
There are various differences between HLD and LLD based on different fields.
A few differences are listed below.
High-Level Design
Low-Level Design
Abbreviated as HLD
Abbreviated as LLD
Understanding the flow between different system constituents requires HLD. For instance, HLD explains how everything functions as a single organism if you have numerous connected solutions.
LLD describes how to create the product, configure it, and troubleshoot it. For instance, if you have multiple solutions, LLD goes into great detail on each one, just like an organ in the body.
HLD is also knowns as Macro Level Design.
LLD is also knowns as Micro Level Design.
HLD converts Business Requirements into High-Level Solutions.
LLD converts High-Level solutions to Detailed Solutions.
HLD contains system and solution architecture, use cases, data flow, and interfaces.
Software projects’ HLD is often created in the early phases, usually during the SDLC's Analysis phase.
Required after HLD to have a detailed description of every module.
HLD is created by solution architects.
Designers and developers create LLD.
Clients, review teams, and design teams are the participants in a high-level design.
The operation teams, design teams, and implementers are involved in the low-level design.
SRS, i.e., Software Requirement Specification, is the input criteria in HLD.
Reviewed HLD is the input criteria for LLD.
The business or client requirement is transformed into a high-level solution via high-level solutions.
The High-Level Solution is transformed into a Detailed Solution by Low-Level Design.
High-Level Design results in review record, function design, and database design.
Low-Level Design results in program specification and unit test plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is difference between LLD and HLD?
Low-Level Design (LLD) focuses on detailed design aspects like algorithms and data structures, while High-Level Design (HLD) deals with architecture and system-wide functionalities, providing an overview.
What is HLD and LLD in network design?
High-Level Design (HLD) outlines network architecture, protocols, and services, while Low-Level Design (LLD) delves into specifics like network topology, IP addressing, and hardware configurations.
What is the difference between HLD and DLD?
High-Level Design (HLD) focuses on system architecture and functionality, while Detailed Design (DLD) provides specific implementation details and technical specifications, often including algorithms and data structures.
What is the LLD format?
Low-Level Design (LLD) typically involves creating detailed diagrams, flowcharts, and documents outlining the technical implementation of system components, algorithms, and data structures.
Conclusion
This blog has shed light on the HLD vs. LLD. We understood the basic definition of High-Level Design and Low-Level Design. We also saw the difference between high-level design and low-level design.
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