Transform matrix to adjacency list

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Quick Overview

Convert the given array to sorted result following the specified rules.

Spotify
Coding & Algorithms
Software Engineer
Spotify
April 19, 2026
Software Engineer
Phone Screen
Coding & Algorithms
Medium

263

10

197 solved


Convert the given array to sorted result following the specified rules.

This coding problem is frequently asked during Phone Screen at Spotify. The interviewer is testing your ability to translate a problem into clean, working code while discussing time and space complexity. Spotify 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
Graph algorithms and traversal
Common algorithm patterns (sliding window, two pointers, BFS/DFS)
Data structure selection and trade-offs
Tree structures and recursion
Edge cases and input validation
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
  • How would you modify your solution to handle streaming input?
  • Can you solve this iteratively instead of recursively (or vice versa)?
  • What if the input doesn't fit in memory?
  • How would you test this solution thoroughly?
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Brute Force Approach

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