What do you do if you're faced with common algorithm-related interview questions?

1 Understand Basics

Before diving into the specifics of any algorithm question, ensure that you have a strong grasp of the basic concepts. Data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs are often the backbone of algorithm questions. Familiarize yourself with sorting algorithms like QuickSort or MergeSort and searching algorithms like binary search. Understanding Big O notation is critical for discussing the efficiency of your solutions. These foundational elements are the tools you'll use to construct your answers, so make sure they're well-rehearsed and understood.

2 Analyze Problem

When presented with an algorithm question, take a moment to fully understand the problem. Ask clarifying questions if necessary to grasp all aspects of what's being asked. Break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, and consider any constraints or edge cases. This step is not only about comprehending the problem but also showing your interviewer that you take a methodical approach to problem-solving. Clear understanding is essential before you start thinking about a solution.

3 Plan Approach

Once you understand the problem, plan your approach by outlining how you intend to solve it. Start with a high-level strategy and then delve into more detail. Think about which data structures and algorithms are most appropriate for the task. If there are multiple possible solutions, weigh their trade-offs in terms of time and space complexity. It's important to articulate this plan to your interviewer, demonstrating that you can think systematically and choose the most efficient solution.

4 Write Code

After planning your approach, it's time to write the code. Aim for a clean and readable code style, using descriptive variable names and avoiding overly complex constructions. Remember, your interviewer will be looking at your coding habits, so write code as if you're already part of their team. If you're writing on a whiteboard, it's okay to use pseudocode first to ensure your logic is sound before writing actual code. If you're in a live-coding environment, test your code as you go to catch any mistakes early.

5 Test Solution

Testing your solution is as important as writing the correct algorithm. Walk through your code with a few test cases, including edge cases, to demonstrate its correctness. Explain how your code handles these cases and why it works. This not only shows your attention to detail but also reassures the interviewer that you're thorough in ensuring the robustness of your solution. It's a good practice to think like a user who might try to break your code and preemptively address potential issues.

6 Explain Code

Finally, be prepared to explain your code and the decisions you made during the process. Discuss why you chose a particular data structure or algorithm and how it benefits the overall solution. If there were any trade-offs or limitations in your approach, acknowledge them and explain why you considered them acceptable. Your ability to communicate about your code is just as important as the code itself; it demonstrates that you can work effectively with others and articulate technical concepts clearly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?