Overview
What this challenge is about.
Design the board state model (sticky notes + cursor positions) and pick a conflict-resolution approach (last-write-wins for v1, or operational-transform if scoping allows). Build a React frontend with drag-and-drop, a Node.js + Socket.IO backend, and an in-memory board store (no DB for the prototype). Support up to 6 concurrent users. Deploy to a single Fly.io machine. Run a synthetic load test simulating 6 users moving notes for 5 minutes. Deliver the GitHub repo, a staging URL, a 5-page architecture write-up, and a load-test report (latency p50/p95, dropped messages).
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Prototype a 6-user real-time whiteboard in React + Node.js + Socket.IO with under 100ms p95 cursor-update latency.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Build a real-time web application using WebSockets
- Reason about state synchronization tradeoffs (LWW vs OT vs CRDT)
- Measure latency and message-loss in a real network
- Document architecture decisions for a sceptical engineering reviewer
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
Careers
Roles this prepares you for.
Real titles. Real skill bridges. Pick the one closest to your trajectory.
Career mappings coming soon.