Start by clarifying the problem and constraints, then discuss a brute-force solution before optimizing. Write clean, modular code and test with provided examples and edge cases.
Pro tip: Communicate your thought process continuously and proactively discuss time/space complexity and potential optimizations, as Amazon values customer obsession and ownership.
Ask clarifying questions to confirm input/output formats, constraints, and edge cases. Restate the problem in your own words to ensure alignment.
Discuss a brute-force solution first, then analyze its complexity and propose optimizations. Choose appropriate data structures and algorithms.
Write clean, well-structured code with meaningful variable names. Modularize logic and handle edge cases explicitly.
Walk through the code with provided test cases and additional edge cases. Use print statements or a debugger to verify correctness.
State the time and space complexity of your solution. Discuss potential improvements or alternative approaches if time permits.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.