Start by clarifying the problem constraints (e.g., integer vs. floating-point, overflow handling, input validation) and then present a clean, efficient solution. Write the function in a language of your choice, explaining your reasoning and testing with edge cases.
Pro tip: Demonstrate production-level thinking by discussing potential overflow issues and how to handle them (e.g., using arbitrary-precision arithmetic or detecting overflow), which shows you consider real-world scenarios beyond the basic algorithm.
Ask about input types (integers, floats), expected output, and any constraints (e.g., overflow, performance). This ensures you understand the problem fully before coding.
Choose a language and define the function signature. Explain your approach, such as using the built-in addition operator, and consider edge cases like negative numbers or zero.
Write the code clearly, using meaningful variable names and comments. Keep it simple and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Walk through test cases: positive numbers, negative numbers, zero, and large numbers to check for overflow. Verify the output matches expectations.
Mention potential improvements or related concepts, such as handling overflow with safe math libraries or supporting arbitrary precision.
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