Efficient Dataset Merge | Dataford Interview Questions

Write a function to merge two large datasets efficiently.

Each dataset is sorted by a unique integer key and contains records represented as [key, value]. Return one sorted dataset containing every key, using the record from second when both datasets contain the same key. The input datasets must not be modified.

Function contract: merge_datasets(first, second) receives two lists of records and returns a new list of records. Values may be strings, numbers, booleans, or null.

Constraints

0 <= len(first), len(second) <= 5000
Each record has exactly two elements: an integer key and a JSON-compatible value
Each input is sorted in strictly increasing key order
Keys are unique within each input dataset
The input lists must not be modified

Function Signature

def merge_datasets(first, second):

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Problem

Write a function to merge two large datasets efficiently.

Function contract: merge_datasets(first, second) receives two lists of records and returns a new list of records. Values may be strings, numbers, booleans, or null.

Constraints

0 <= len(first), len(second) <= 5000
Each record has exactly two elements: an integer key and a JSON-compatible value
Each input is sorted in strictly increasing key order
Keys are unique within each input dataset
The input lists must not be modified

Function Signature

def merge_datasets(first, second):

Your question is Efficient Dataset Merge. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

Run and submit as often as you like. When you're ready, talk me through your approach or go straight to the code.