Not a brain-buster algorithmically, but I underestimated how fiddly the string filtering plus sorting combo would be under time pressure.
Clarify the input format and constraints, then propose an efficient algorithm using filtering and sorting. Discuss time/space complexity and edge cases before coding.
Pro tip: Mention that you would use a stable sort if the original order matters for equal names, and discuss how to handle case sensitivity based on requirements.
Ask about input format, data types, expected output order, and any constraints (e.g., case sensitivity, duplicate handling).
Outline steps: filter tasks by substring match, then sort the filtered list. Choose appropriate data structures and sorting method.
State time and space complexity: O(n) for filtering, O(m log m) for sorting, where n is total tasks and m is filtered tasks.
Discuss empty list, no matches, substring at start/end, case sensitivity, and potential null values.
Write clean code with meaningful variable names, then walk through a test case to verify correctness.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.