The follow-up came right after I finished the first problem.
First, explicitly identify the data structure from the initial problem and how it was used, then clarify the follow-up's constraints and requirements. Propose an approach that reuses or extends the existing data structure, discussing time/space trade-offs and potential edge cases before coding.
Pro tip: Demonstrate awareness of Apple's emphasis on performance and memory efficiency by discussing how your solution scales and whether it can be optimized for real-world constraints like large datasets or low-latency environments.
Ask clarifying questions to understand the new requirements, constraints, and how they relate to the initial problem. Confirm the expected input/output and any edge cases.
Determine which parts of the initial solution and data structure can be reused or adapted. Explain how the data structure's properties support the follow-up.
Outline a high-level algorithm, discussing time and space complexity. Compare with alternative approaches and justify your choice.
Write clean, modular code that builds on the existing solution. Walk through test cases, including edge cases, to verify correctness.
Consider potential optimizations and discuss trade-offs between time, space, and code complexity. Mention any assumptions or limitations.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.