The interviewer literally suggested starting with brute force.
Start by restating the problem and clarifying constraints, then present a straightforward brute-force solution with its time and space complexity. After establishing correctness, systematically identify inefficiencies and propose optimizations, explaining the trade-offs and validating the improved solution with examples.
Pro tip: Always quantify the brute-force complexity and explicitly connect each optimization to a specific bottleneck; this shows you understand the 'why' behind the improvement, not just the 'how'.
Ask clarifying questions about input size, edge cases, and expected output. Restate the problem in your own words to confirm understanding.
Describe the simplest, most direct approach that solves the problem correctly, even if inefficient. Walk through a small example to demonstrate correctness.
State the time and space complexity of the brute-force solution. Identify the specific operations or patterns that cause inefficiency.
Propose optimizations that target the bottlenecks, such as using a hash map, sorting, two pointers, or dynamic programming. Explain how each change improves complexity.
Test the optimized solution on edge cases and compare its complexity to the brute-force. Discuss trade-offs like readability vs. performance.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.