I've heard that the best practice for storing images is to use an object storage service like AWS S3, which is great for fast delivery among other benefits. However, I came across the website Wallhaven.cc, and I suspect they might not be using such services due to budget constraints. They provide a list of technologies they use on their site.
I'm really curious about how they achieve scalability without relying on typical object storage solutions. Does anyone have insights or theories on their approach? Thanks in advance for any help!
2 Answers
Wallhaven.cc likely uses a combination of their own server infrastructure and optimized techniques to store and deliver images efficiently. They might have implemented smart caching systems, optimized image formats, or even serve images from a content delivery network (CDN) to ensure faster load times. It's not uncommon for successful sites to manage storage in-house, especially if they have a solid tech team behind them.
I think they'd use local storage solutions but with a strong emphasis on server optimization. Techniques like lazy loading images and serving smaller versions for thumbnails could really help with performance, even without AWS S3. Plus, as their user base grows, they might incrementally upgrade their storage solutions as needed.
Exactly! They may also prioritize efficient database queries to retrieve images quickly without bogging down their server.

That makes sense! Plus, managing storage in-house can save costs in the long run, as they can scale resources according to their needs.