Get Node to Remove
Reported by candidates from Salesforce's online assessment. Pattern, common pitfall, and the honest play if you blank under the timer.
Salesforce's September OA included a graph traversal problem that looks straightforward until you realize the node removal order matters. You're given a graph and need to identify which node to remove based on specific criteria. The trick isn't the graph itself, it's understanding what removal means in the context they've defined. StealthCoder can feed you the exact pattern when you're mid-OA and blank on the approach.
Pattern and pitfall
This is a graph problem disguised as a removal query. Most candidates jump to DFS or BFS to traverse and find candidates, then apply a filtering rule. The common mistake is not carefully reading what 'remove' means in their definition, not handling disconnected components, or missing edge cases around isolated nodes. The pattern usually hinges on either finding a node by some property (highest degree, lowest value, specific connectivity rule) or understanding that removal affects the graph structure in a way that changes subsequent evaluations. Work through a small example by hand first to lock in the rule before coding.
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Get Node to Remove FAQ
Is this a DFS/BFS problem?+
Yes, you'll likely need to traverse the graph. But the traversal is only half the battle. The real work is understanding the removal criteria and potentially re-evaluating the graph after removal. Don't assume a single pass is enough.
What if the graph has multiple components?+
Treat them independently or as specified in the problem. The removal rule might apply per-component, or you might need to remove globally. Read the problem statement carefully to avoid this trap.
Do I need to rebuild the graph after removal?+
Possibly. If the problem asks for a sequence of removals or evaluates the graph state after each removal, yes. If it's a single removal, probably not. The problem text will clarify this.
How do I handle ties in the removal criteria?+
The problem statement should specify a tiebreaker, like lexicographic order or node ID. If it doesn't, ask for clarification before submitting. Don't guess.
Can I solve this in 45 minutes?+
Yes, if you nail the criteria quickly. The implementation is usually 20-30 lines. Spend 10 minutes understanding the rule, 10 coding, 5 testing with the example.