About: Passionate problem solver and curious learner of all things.
When facing an algorithmic problem in a technical coding interview, is the expectation that you'll break down the problem and intuitively find the optimal answer or that you'll know the right algorithm to use for that specific problem?
Like thinking of using Kadane's algorithm for a Maximum Sum Subarray Problem for example.
I think breaking the problem and finding the optimal solution is better since you need to really understand the algortihm to find your way to it. It think it represents a bigger understanding since knowing the answer directly is as useful as looking the answer in a book.
Yes, I understand the importance of breaking down the problem. Either way, it is a necessary step to understand it.
At that point, however, would I be given more credit for attempting to come up with a solution on my own and possibly being wrong, or by being like "Oh, this looks like a problem that can be easily solved with x algorithm!"
Mmm that is more tricky because if you don't get to the answer it might seem like you don't know🤔 so I assume it depends. Maybe you don't know that answer but they can ask you more than 1 question.
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