DFS on linked list

Last updated: September 16, 2025

Quick Overview

Apply the Sliding Window algorithm on a graph to solve this optimization problem.

Visa
Coding & Algorithms
Software Engineer
Visa
September 16, 2025
Software Engineer
Take-home Project
Coding & Algorithms
Medium

10

7

950 solved


Apply the Sliding Window algorithm on a graph to solve this optimization problem.

This coding problem is frequently asked during Take-home Project at Visa. The interviewer is testing your ability to translate a problem into clean, working code while discussing time and space complexity. Visa expects candidates to write production-quality code, not just solve the puzzle.

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
Sorting and searching
Data structure selection and trade-offs
Binary search and divide and conquer
Common algorithm patterns (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS)
Hash maps and frequency counting
Time and space complexity analysis
How to Approach This
  1. Clarify input constraints and edge cases before writing code.
  2. Walk through your approach verbally and confirm with the interviewer before coding.
  3. Start with a brute force solution, then optimize. Mention time and space complexity.
  4. Test your solution with examples, including edge cases like empty input or duplicates.
  5. Consider common patterns: sliding window, two pointers, hash map, BFS/DFS, dynamic programming.
Possible Follow-up Questions
  • What happens if the input contains duplicates?
  • Can you solve this iteratively instead of recursively (or vice versa)?
  • What is the worst-case input for your solution?
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