Whiteboard Confidential

Binary Tree Views & Closest Pair Problem: Python Mock Interview with a Meta Engineer


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REPLAY EPISODE: A candidate takes on two Meta-style interview problems—one array, one binary tree—and a Senior Meta engineer breaks down their performance step by step.In this Meta-style mock coding interview, a candidate is put through two challenging problems that test practical reasoning, optimal data structures, and clear communication — exactly what real Meta interviewers look for.🧩 Problem 1: Given a sorted array of positive integers and a target k, find the pair whose sum is closest to k.(A classic Meta-style twist on two-pointer optimization problems.)🧩 Problem 2: You’re given the root of a binary tree. If one person stands on the left side and another on the right side, return the nodes visible to both of them — left view (bottom → top) followed by right view (top → bottom).(A unique combination of tree view and traversal-order reasoning.)Watch how the candidate breaks down both problems like in a real Meta onsite:✅ Identifies the optimal O(n) two-pointer strategy✅ Handles tricky edge cases with clean logic✅ Designs a combined traversal strategy for dual tree views✅ Codes efficiently under pressure✅ Gets detailed feedback from a Senior Meta engineer💡 What you’ll learn:• Two-pointer patterns Meta loves to ask• How left/right tree views work and how to combine them• How to structure reasoning during a high-pressure interview• What great communication looks like in a real FAANG interview👉 Sign up to book coaching or watch more mock interviews: https://www.interviewing.io📝 Interviewer feedback & transcript: https://interviewing.io/mocks/facebook-python-closest-pair-sum🔗 Explore more Meta interviews: https://www.interviewing.io/mocks?company=metaDisclaimer: All interviews are shared with explicit permission from the interviewer and the interviewee. All candidates remain anonymous.

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Whiteboard ConfidentialBy interviewing.io