Full Stack - Software Engineer (L5) - Platform Engineering

Netflix

Write a function that validates if a given string is a valid representation of an integer. The function should handle positive, negative, and zero values. It should also account for leading/trailing spaces, but return false if there are any non-numeric characters other than a single leading '+' or '-' sign. Details: The input is a string. The output is a boolean: true if the string represents a valid integer, false otherwise. A valid integer string can start with an optional '+' or '-' sign. The rest of the string must contain only digits. Leading and trailing whitespace should be ignored. The string must not contain any other non-numeric characters. Examples: +123 should return true -456 should return true 0 should return true +007 should return true abc should return false 12.3 should return false 1a should return false should return false ++12 should return false --12 should return false 12+ should return false 12- should return false Considerations: Handle empty strings gracefully. Be mindful of potential integer overflow issues (although the function does not need to explicitly check for it). Focus on validating the format of the string. Ensure your solution efficiently handles various edge cases and invalid inputs. Your function should demonstrate clear, concise, and well-documented code.

Netflix

Let's delve into the Observer pattern. Imagine you're building a stock market application. You have a central Stock object that holds the current price. Multiple components, such as a PriceDisplay, a Graph, and an AlertSystem, need to update whenever the Stock price changes. Explain the Observer pattern: Describe the core components (Subject, Observer) and how they interact. Explain the benefits of using this pattern in scenarios like the stock market application. Design Implementation: Provide a simplified code implementation of the Observer pattern for this stock market scenario. Show how the Stock object (Subject) would manage its observers (PriceDisplay, Graph, AlertSystem) and how these observers would receive updates when the stock price changes. Focus on clarity and demonstrating the core concepts. Trade-offs: What are the potential drawbacks of using the Observer pattern, especially in a system with a large number of observers? How might you mitigate these issues (e.g., using weak references, asynchronous updates)? Alternatives: Are there alternative patterns or approaches you might consider instead of the Observer pattern for this type of scenario? What are the pros and cons of these alternatives compared to the Observer pattern? Real-world Examples: Besides a stock market application, can you describe other real-world examples where the Observer pattern is commonly used?

Netflix

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a client or customer. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts. What was the context? What specific steps did you take to exceed their expectations? What were the results of your going the extra mile? For example, perhaps a client was facing a critical deadline and you volunteered to work overtime to ensure their project was completed on time and to a high standard. Or maybe a customer was experiencing a frustrating issue with your company's product or service, and you took the initiative to personally resolve their problem, even though it was outside of your usual responsibilities. Consider a situation where you identified a potential problem or opportunity that the client hadn't even considered, and you proactively developed a solution or proposal that delivered significant value to them. Did you receive any special recognition or commendation as a result of your efforts?