DFS on graph
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Overview
Apply the Two Pointers algorithm on a graph to solve this optimization problem.
SentinelOne
January 26, 202695
8
242 solved
Apply the Two Pointers algorithm on a graph to solve this optimization problem.
Coding interviews at SentinelOne focus on problem-solving approach as much as the final solution. The interviewer wants to see you break down the problem, consider edge cases, and optimize iteratively. Communication throughout the process is key.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Recognize the underlying problem pattern (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS, etc.)
- Discuss multiple approaches and trade-offs before coding
- Implement an optimal solution with clean, production-quality code
- Handle all edge cases including boundary conditions and invalid input
- Optimize both time and space complexity with clear justification
- Test your solution systematically with well-chosen examples
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Clarify input constraints and edge cases before writing code.
- Walk through your approach verbally and confirm with the interviewer before coding.
- Start with a brute force solution, then optimize. Mention time and space complexity.
- Test your solution with examples, including edge cases like empty input or duplicates.
- Consider common patterns: sliding window, two pointers, hash map, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- How would you parallelize this solution?
- What if the input doesn't fit in memory?
- Can you solve this in a single pass?
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Practice DSA ProblemsSample Answer
Problem Analysis
The problem requires us to apply a Depth-First Search (DFS) algorithm on a graph, which suggests that we need to traverse nodes and explore their neighbors. The two-pointer technique does not typicall...
Approach
- Graph Representation: We will represent the graph using an adjacency list. For example, if we have edges like (1, 2), (1, 3), and (2, 4), the adjacency list will look like `{1: [2, 3], 2: [4], ...
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