Start by clarifying requirements and edge cases, then propose a tree-based data structure with nodes representing files and folders. Implement the core operations (create file, create folder, list contents) with collision resolution using a systematic suffixing algorithm, and discuss trade-offs and potential optimizations.
Pro tip: Demonstrate foresight by discussing how to handle concurrency and persistence, and mention that the collision resolution should be efficient (e.g., using a set for O(1) lookups) to avoid performance bottlenecks.
Ask about expected operations, file naming rules, case sensitivity, path handling, and whether folders can have extensions. Confirm that collisions are resolved by appending a number before the extension.
Propose a tree structure where each node represents a file or folder. Use a map (dictionary) to store children for O(1) lookup, and include metadata like name, type, and children.
Write methods for creating files, creating folders, and listing contents. For file creation, check for name collision and resolve by appending the smallest integer suffix before the extension.
Explain the algorithm: split the filename into base and extension, then iterate from 1 upward, checking if the new name exists. Use a set or map for efficient existence checks.
Talk about time/space complexity, potential improvements like caching, concurrency handling, and persistence. Mention alternative approaches like using a trie for prefix searches.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.