Bytedance·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

IntermediatePrefer not to say

Jun 2026

Summary

Late in a Bytedance SRE interview, they threw a coding question at me when my brain had basically already checked out. A variant of a LeetCode problem, not the hardest thing in the world, but after everything else that round it felt like running the last mile on fumes.

Questions Asked (1)

Solve a coding problem that is a variant of LeetCode 456.

Algorithms & Data Structures

Author's notes

By the time this came up I was completely fried.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, clarify the problem constraints and confirm the variant details with the interviewer. Then, explain the optimal O(n) stack-based approach for LeetCode 456, and adapt it to the variant by identifying the key differences and adjusting the algorithm accordingly. Finally, walk through a concrete example to validate the solution and discuss edge cases.

Pro tip: Demonstrate strong communication by thinking aloud and involving the interviewer—ask clarifying questions early and explain your reasoning step-by-step. This shows collaboration and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued at Bytedance.

1. Clarify the problem

Ask questions to understand the exact variant: input format, constraints, expected output, and any modifications from the original problem. Confirm with examples.

2. Discuss the optimal approach for the original problem

Explain the O(n) stack-based solution for LeetCode 456, highlighting how it finds a 132 pattern by maintaining a candidate for '2' and using a stack for '3'.

3. Adapt to the variant

Identify how the variant differs (e.g., different pattern, additional constraints) and modify the algorithm accordingly. Discuss potential changes in time/space complexity.

4. Walk through an example

Choose a representative input and trace the algorithm step-by-step to demonstrate correctness and clarify any ambiguities.

5. Analyze complexity and edge cases

State the time and space complexity of the solution and discuss edge cases such as empty input, duplicates, or large inputs.

Key Points to Mention

Stack-based approach for O(n) time complexity
Maintaining a candidate for the '2' in the 132 pattern
Handling duplicates and strict inequalities
Adapting the algorithm to the variant's specific pattern
Time and space complexity analysis
Edge cases and validation with examples

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.