The SDE interview was a thorough and challenging experience.

It started with coding problems that tested my algorithmic skills and ability to write clean, efficient code.

Then, I was asked system design questions to assess my understanding of building scalable applications and architectures.

The interview also included behavioral questions to gauge my teamwork, communication skills, and how I handle pressure.

Throughout, I focused on explaining my thought process clearly, discussing trade-offs, and staying calm under pressure.

The feedback was constructive, and overall, it was a valuable learning experience.

Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly. How would you approach this problem?