How can we explain the sudden 40% spike in error rates for TradingView's real-time data feeds across European markets yesterday?

Introduction

The sudden 40% spike in error rates for TradingView's real-time data feeds across European markets yesterday is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and thorough analysis. As we delve into this problem, we'll follow a systematic approach to identify, validate, and address the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term implications for our product ecosystem.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be related to a recent deployment. Has there been any significant update or change to our systems in the past 48 hours?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with sudden performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor update to our data processing pipeline. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus on rollback options and code review.

• Considering the scope, I'm wondering if this is affecting all European markets equally. Are we seeing variations in error rates across different exchanges or countries?

Why it matters: Uneven distribution could point to regional infrastructure issues. Expected answer: The spike is more pronounced in certain markets, particularly in Eastern Europe. Impact on approach: We'd investigate potential regional factors and prioritize worst-affected areas.

• Given the magnitude of the spike, I'm curious about user impact. Have we seen a corresponding increase in customer support tickets or social media mentions?

Why it matters: User feedback can provide valuable insights into the nature and severity of the issue. Expected answer: Yes, there's been a 30% increase in support tickets related to data accuracy. Impact on approach: We'd correlate user reports with our internal metrics to identify patterns.

• Thinking about our data sources, I'm wondering if this could be an upstream issue. Have we confirmed the reliability of our data providers during this period?

Why it matters: External dependencies can significantly impact our service quality. Expected answer: Initial checks show no reported issues from our primary data providers. Impact on approach: We'd shift focus to internal systems and potential integration points.