Round 1: Data Structures and Algorithms
Questions:
- DSA Problem: The interview involved solving a single problem Codeforces (1661C). I gave two solutions: one using binary search and the other using maths. The interviewer then asked me to code the binary search solution.
Candidate's Approach
I provided two solutions to the problem, one utilizing binary search and the other based on mathematical principles. The interviewer requested that I code the binary search solution.
Interviewer's Feedback
No feedback provided.
Round 2: CS Fundamentals and System Design
Questions:
- CS Fundamentals:
- HTTP vs HTTPS: The interviewer asked about the differences between HTTP and HTTPS. I explained the role of SSL/TLS in securing communication, the encryption of data, and the authentication of servers.
- Database Isolation Levels: The interviewer asked me to explain isolation and its types. I discussed different levels of isolation in databases—Read Uncommitted, Read Committed, Repeatable Read, and Serializable—and the trade-offs between consistency and performance.
- Transactions in SQL: I provided the theoretical definition but wasn't able to write a sample SQL query implementing transactions.
After the CS fundamental questions, the interviewer mentioned that he would raise the bar since things were going too smoothly.
- System Design:
- Design PUBG Waiting Queue: I wasn't prepared for a system design question, so I initially approached it like a DSA problem. The interviewer provided several hints along the way, but I wasn’t confident in many of the suggestions I made during the discussion.
Candidate's Approach
I discussed various CS fundamentals and attempted to design the PUBG waiting queue, but I felt unprepared for the system design aspect and relied on hints from the interviewer.
Interviewer's Feedback
No feedback provided.