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AI Interview Playground

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👤 Candidate💻 codingbeginner

Using AI for Algorithm Problems

Scenario: You need to implement a function to reverse a linked list

Question 1 of 27
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The Scenario

You're in an interview where AI tools are allowed. You ask ChatGPT for help.

💬What you ask AI

"Write a function to reverse a linked list in Python"

🤖What AI responds
def reverse_linked_list(head):
    prev = None
    current = head
    while current:
        next_node = current.next
        current.next = prev
        prev = current
        current = next_node
    return prev
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Good vs Bad Approaches

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Explain Before Implementing

Start by explaining your approach to the interviewer

💬 Example:

""I'll use a three-pointer approach: prev, current, and next. We'll iterate through the list, reversing the pointers as we go. Time complexity is O(n), space is O(1).""

✨ Why this works:

Shows you understand the problem and can articulate your thinking

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Copy-Paste Without Understanding

Immediately copy AI code without explanation

💬 Example:

"[Candidate pastes code] "Here's the solution. It reverses the linked list.""

⚠️ Why this fails:

Interviewer cannot assess your problem-solving ability or understanding

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Review AI Code Critically

After getting AI response, walk through the code line by line

💬 Example:

""The AI solution looks correct. Let me trace through it: we maintain prev as None initially, iterate through with current, save next_node to avoid losing reference, reverse the pointer, then move forward.""

✨ Why this works:

Demonstrates code comprehension and debugging skills

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Cannot Explain How It Works

Unable to walk through the code logic

💬 Example:

"Interviewer: "Can you explain how this works?" Candidate: "Um... it uses pointers to reverse the list...""

⚠️ Why this fails:

Major red flag - suggests you don't understand the solution

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Test with Examples

Propose test cases and mentally trace execution

💬 Example:

""Let me test with [1→2→3]. After iteration 1: None←1 2→3. After iteration 2: None←1←2 3. After iteration 3: None←1←2←3. Returns 3, which is correct.""

✨ Why this works:

Shows systematic testing approach and attention to correctness

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Skip Testing Entirely

Assume AI code is correct without verification

💬 Example:

""The AI generated this, so it should work. Let's move on.""

⚠️ Why this fails:

Shows lack of rigor and quality mindset

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Discuss Edge Cases

Identify and handle edge cases without prompting

💬 Example:

""We should handle empty list (None), single node (return head), and two nodes. The current solution handles all these correctly.""

✨ Why this works:

Demonstrates thoroughness and production-ready thinking

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No Edge Case Consideration

Don't think about null, empty, or special cases

💬 Example:

"[Submits code without discussing what happens with None or single node]"

⚠️ Why this fails:

Misses critical bugs that would appear in production

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Remember This

  • 1

    AI is a tool to augment your thinking, not replace it

  • 2

    Always explain your approach before and after using AI

  • 3

    Treat AI code like code from a junior developer - review it carefully

  • 4

    Test systematically and consider edge cases

  • 5

    Interviewers want to see your judgment, not just AI output