Coding Interviews Be Like
Nicholas T.・5 minutes read
To prepare for an interview, a senior software engineer recommends using a hash map when stuck on a problem. During the interview, the candidate optimizes their solution for finding indices of two numbers in an array by implementing a hash map approach with O(n) time complexity.
Insights
- Using a hash map can be a powerful tool when stuck on a problem, providing a quick and efficient solution, as recommended by the senior software engineer.
- The candidate's ability to adapt and optimize their approach during the interview showcases problem-solving skills, transitioning from a quadratic time complexity solution to a hash map-based linear time solution, demonstrating versatility and critical thinking.
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Recent questions
How can I optimize problem-solving during interviews?
Utilize hash maps for quick solutions.
What is a common interview problem involving arrays?
Finding indices of two numbers that sum up to a target.
What is the time complexity of using two for loops?
Quadratic time complexity.
How can I improve time complexity in array problems?
Sort array and use left and right pointers.
What approach achieves linear time complexity in array problems?
Implement a hash map approach.
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Summary
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"Interview Prep: Hash Map for Efficient Solutions"
- To prepare for an interview, a senior software engineer advises using a hash map when stuck on a problem, suggesting it as a quick solution.
- During the interview, the candidate is tasked with finding indices of two numbers in an array that sum up to a target, initially using a quadratic time complexity solution involving two for loops.
- To optimize the solution, the candidate proposes sorting the array and using left and right pointers, achieving a time complexity of O(n log n). However, further challenged to find a linear time solution, the candidate successfully implements a hash map approach with O(n) time complexity.
