This is not a 'write a function from scratch' situation.
First, systematically read the code and each review comment to understand the intent and scope of required changes. Prioritize fixes based on impact and dependencies, then apply changes incrementally while validating with tests. Communicate your reasoning and trade-offs as you go, especially for non-trivial refactors.
Pro tip: Before making changes, briefly summarize each comment and your planned fix to the interviewer—this demonstrates structured thinking and catches misunderstandings early. Also, consider edge cases and potential side effects of your changes, and mention how you'd test them.
Read through the entire codebase to grasp its structure and purpose. Then, carefully parse each review comment to identify the specific issue, its location, and the desired outcome.
Group comments by type (bug fix, refactor, optimization) and assess dependencies. Decide on an order that minimizes rework, starting with critical bugs or foundational changes.
Implement one fix at a time, ensuring each change is correct and doesn't break existing functionality. Run tests or mentally trace execution after each modification.
After all changes, review the code against each comment to confirm resolution. Consider edge cases and run any available tests to verify correctness.
Explain your changes, the reasoning behind them, and any trade-offs you made. Be prepared to discuss alternative approaches and why you chose yours.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.