Problem Decomposition Questions
Break complex problems into smaller, manageable subproblems and solution components. Demonstrate how to identify the root problem, extract core patterns, choose appropriate approaches for each subproblem, sequence work, and integrate partial solutions into a coherent whole. For technical roles this includes recognizing algorithmic patterns, scaling considerations, edge cases, and trade offs. For non technical transformation work it includes logical framing, hypothesis driven decomposition, and measurable success criteria for each subcomponent.
HardTechnical
0 practiced
A critical revenue-reporting pipeline sometimes produces corrupted aggregates for specific days. Decompose an investigation plan covering produce -> transport -> transform -> load stages. Include sampling strategies, checksums/hash comparisons, deterministic replays, and a remediation plan to repair historical data and prevent recurrence.
HardSystem Design
0 practiced
You must implement GDPR-compliant deletion across raw, processed, and derivative datasets. Decompose the work into discovery (where PII exists), lineage mapping, deletion APIs, downstream purging, audit logs, and verification. Discuss trade-offs between physical deletion and pseudonymization and the implications for backups and archives.
MediumTechnical
0 practiced
Implement in Python a streaming-processing function that reads a large CSV file (size > RAM) line by line, applies a transformation function transform(record), and writes results partitioned by a 'date' column into Parquet files. Requirements: keep memory usage constant, support retry of failed batches, and ensure partial writes are atomic (no partial files left on failure). Describe any libraries used and assumptions.
HardSystem Design
0 practiced
Design a comprehensive testing decomposition for data pipelines: unit tests for transforms, integration tests for connectors, contract tests for producers/consumers, schema tests, end-to-end staging, and CI gating. Provide examples of test inputs, expected outputs, and a strategy for non-deterministic streaming transforms.
MediumTechnical
0 practiced
An Airflow DAG retries a task that writes to a downstream table, and retries cause duplicated records. Decompose and propose changes to the DAG, task code, and sink to ensure idempotency and safe retries (e.g., dedup keys, upserts, transactional writes). Provide concrete code or configuration changes you would make.
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