Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Observability Compliance

Google

Given an unsorted array of integers, write a function to sort the array in ascending order using the merge sort algorithm. Explanation of Merge Sort:** Briefly explain the merge sort algorithm, highlighting its divide-and-conquer approach. Implementation:** Provide a step-by-step implementation of the merge sort algorithm. This includes: A mergeSort function that recursively divides the array into smaller subarrays. A merge function that merges two sorted subarrays into a single sorted array. Example:** Input array: [38, 27, 43, 3, 9, 82, 10] Expected output: [3, 9, 10, 27, 38, 43, 82] Efficiency:** Discuss the time and space complexity of merge sort. Why is merge sort considered an efficient sorting algorithm? How does it compare to other sorting algorithms like bubble sort or quicksort in terms of performance (best, average, and worst-case scenarios)? Constraints:** You are not allowed to use built-in sorting functions. The array can contain positive and negative integers. The solution must be implemented in a language of your choice (e.g., Python, Java, C++). Follow-up:** How would you modify the merge sort algorithm to sort the array in descending order? Could you implement an iterative version of merge sort instead of the recursive one? What are the trade-offs?

Google

Let's build an infinite scroll web page. Describe the key components, implementation details, and optimization strategies you would employ to create a smooth and efficient user experience. To clarify the requirements, imagine you are tasked with displaying a large dataset of images fetched from a remote server. The goal is to load and render these images as the user scrolls down the page, providing a seamless browsing experience without overwhelming the browser or causing performance issues. Specifically, address the following: Data Fetching: How would you handle fetching data in chunks from the server? What API endpoints and request parameters would you use? Consider how to manage the loading state to provide visual feedback to the user. Rendering: What techniques would you use to efficiently render the images? Consider the use of virtual DOM, lazy loading, and image optimization techniques. Scroll Handling: How would you detect when the user has scrolled to the bottom of the page and needs more data to be loaded? How would you prevent multiple requests from being triggered simultaneously? Performance Optimization: What strategies would you implement to optimize the performance of the infinite scroll? Consider techniques such as debouncing scroll events, caching data, and preloading images. Error Handling: How would you handle errors that might occur during data fetching or rendering? How would you display error messages to the user? Provide code snippets (in JavaScript, React, or any other relevant language) to illustrate your approach. Discuss any potential challenges or trade-offs involved in implementing an infinite scroll and how you would address them.

Google

Okay, let's delve into your motivations. Why are you interested in working at this company specifically? I'm looking for more than just a generic answer about seeking a new job. I want to understand what resonates with you about our company's mission, values, and the specific role you're applying for. To give you some context, consider our commitment to innovation in the field of AI, particularly our recent work on developing more ethical and transparent algorithms. Or perhaps you're drawn to our collaborative work environment, where cross-functional teams work together to solve complex problems. Maybe you admire our company's dedication to social responsibility, like our initiatives to promote STEM education in underserved communities. When answering, please be specific and show that you've done your research. For instance, you could discuss a particular project that caught your attention, how your skills and experience align with the team's needs, or how you see yourself contributing to our company's long-term goals. Avoid vague statements like I'm a hard worker or I'm a team player without providing concrete examples. Instead, focus on demonstrating a genuine interest in our company and a clear understanding of how you can make a valuable contribution. To summarize, I want to know: What specifically attracts you to our company? How do your skills and experiences align with the requirements of this role and the company's goals? What unique contributions do you believe you can make to our team and our overall mission?