Sliding Window on interval list

Last updated: December 4, 2025

Quick Overview

Apply the BFS algorithm on a array to solve this optimization problem.

xAI
Coding & Algorithms
Software Engineer
xAI
December 4, 2025
Software Engineer
Technical Screen
Coding & Algorithms
Hard

42

7

1,506 solved


Apply the BFS algorithm on a array to solve this optimization problem.

xAI uses this problem in the Technical 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
Common algorithm patterns (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS)
Sorting and searching
Data structure selection and trade-offs
Tree structures and recursion
Hash maps and frequency counting
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
  • Can you solve this in a single pass?
  • How would you parallelize this solution?
  • How would you test this solution thoroughly?
  • Can you optimize the space complexity of your solution?
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