Just out of curiosity: how would you feel if I answered this question by using existing function [1] in stdlib? Would you consider that as (good) sign of knowing the tools or would you prefer a fresh implementation?
I see it as a positive if a candidate uses an existing solution to the problem. That's exactly what a good engineer would do in the real world.
But then I take away the library/method and re-state the problem. Because the point is to see if they can understand the problem, and devise a solution.
But then I take away the library/method and re-state the problem. Because the point is to see if they can understand the problem, and devise a solution.