Vancouver does not believe in tears

May 15, 2018

Introduction

I like to write a blog called Vancouver does not believe in tears. The story is related to implement the algorithm I was asked in mock interview called swap two nodes in singly linked list. I learned through and after the mock interview on May 15, 2018.

It is a mistake when I write down the test case. I spent time to practice the algorithm called swap kth node with the kth from the end in a singly linked list. Here is C# code.

I made a mistake in my test case, line 37 and line 38 left hand variables are exactly the same, but I tried to find the bug in the algorithm. I spent over one hour and I could explain what kind of bug it was. The behavior was so strange, I used debugger but I could not explain.

My test case is a singly linked list fro 1->2->3->4->5->6, and I like to test the swap 2nd node with 2nd to last end one node. But I made a mistake in test function, the list is created only with 5 nodes, 1->2->3->4->5.

I felt frustrated, and almost exhausted. So I relaxed myself to review one of linked list practices. I came cross one of practice using recursive function. I decided to write a solution based on the recursive function. I found the mistake in test case setup in my code.

How to work with frustration? 

I am so glad to experience the frustration again. I like to measure the level, what kind of actions I have, and later on I can come out good ideas to deal with those kind of mistake.

First let me measure the frustration level, give it rate 7 out of 10. I thought about doing really challenging practice on algorithm, but ended up working on trivial things.

I documented last time I came into tears after the mock interview. After I read the feedback from the interviewer. It is harsh and I Need to learn the lesson of learning harder.

Laundry list of excuses

I like to give possible reasons why I can not handle stress very well in my practice. I can think about several things, first not enough sleep; stress from principal applicant deadline, I need to fill the form for my nephew. And also I do not anticipate anything longer than one hour to write and debug.

In the morning mock interview, I did not simplify the task to swap two nodes's value but instead of working on node reconnects in the singly linked list. Through the mock interview, I learn that I may have done a lot of time at work, I should simplify the task first instead of messing with a complicated problem unnecessary.

I could not believe that I just did very good job for myself last week, and then next week I need to learn from the lesson again. Ask questions about the algorithm, dig deep. Define the requirement, seek the shortcut if there is one. solve the problem quickly first.