DFS on linked list
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Quick Overview
Apply the BFS algorithm on a array to solve this optimization problem.
Bloomberg
May 27, 20260
13
3,832 solved
Apply the BFS algorithm on a array to solve this optimization problem.
Bloomberg uses this problem in the Phone Screen to evaluate your algorithmic thinking. They expect you to discuss multiple approaches, analyze trade-offs between them, and implement the optimal solution with clean, readable code.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Quickly identify the optimal approach and its theoretical basis
- Handle complex algorithm design with multiple interacting components
- Write concise, elegant code under time pressure
- Prove correctness of your approach and discuss alternative solutions
- Optimize beyond the obvious: discuss constant factor improvements
- Address follow-up variations and explain how the solution generalizes
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 test this solution thoroughly?
- Can you optimize the space complexity of your solution?
- How would your solution change if the input was sorted?
- Can you solve this in a single pass?
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Practice DSA ProblemsSample Answer
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Brute Force Approach
Always start with the simplest correct solution, even if it's not optimal. This shows you can solve the problem and gives you a baseline to optimize f...
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