I started with the obvious stuff, a container format with a header index, offsets per image, maybe a footer checksum.
Start by clarifying requirements such as file size, image types, access patterns, and metadata needs. Then propose a container format with a header, metadata index, and data blocks, and discuss trade-offs between simplicity and performance. Finally, outline how to implement efficient storage (e.g., compression, deduplication) and retrieval (e.g., indexing, random access).
Pro tip: Mention real-world formats like TIFF, PDF, or ZIP to show practical knowledge, and emphasize how your design handles Visa-scale requirements like high throughput and security.
Ask about expected file size, number of images, image formats, metadata fields, access patterns (read/write ratio), and performance constraints.
Propose a container structure: a header with magic number and version, a metadata section (e.g., JSON or binary index), and a data section with image blobs. Consider fixed vs variable block sizes.
Discuss compression (e.g., zlib, JPEG), deduplication (e.g., hashing), and alignment to optimize space and I/O.
Design an index (e.g., offset table) for random access, and consider caching or memory-mapping for frequent reads.
Define a schema for metadata (e.g., image dimensions, timestamps, tags) and allow for future extensions via versioning or optional fields.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.