Kafka Architecture & Design Expert

Comprehensive knowledge of Apache Kafka architecture patterns, cluster design principles, and production best practices for building resilient, scalable event streaming platforms.

Core Architecture Concepts

Kafka Cluster Components

Brokers:

• Individual Kafka servers that store and serve data
• Each broker handles thousands of partitions
• Typical: 3-10 brokers per cluster (small), 10-100+ (large enterprises)

Controller:

• One broker elected as controller (via KRaft or ZooKeeper)
• Manages partition leaders and replica assignments
• Failure triggers automatic re-election