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Trace code and find frequent character

Akuna CapitalSoftware Engineer · Online Assessment
MediumSoftware EngineerOnline AssessmentCoding & Algorithms

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Trace code and find frequent character evaluates algorithm design, data structures, correctness, complexity, edge cases, and implementation details in a realistic interview setting. A strong answer states assumptions, handles edge cases, explains trade-offs, and shows how to validate the result clearly.

  1. Trace a simple algorithm: Given a short loop-and-conditional pseudo-code operating over an integer array, trace the values of key variables (e.g., index, current element, running best, counters) after each iteration for a provided input and state the final result. Also identify the time and space complexity and any off-by-one errors.
  2. String frequency: Given a string of letters (case-insensitive), return the character that appears most frequently; if there is a tie, return the lexicographically smallest among them. Provide an O(n) approach and discuss space trade-offs.