Write a SQL query to find 2nd-degree connections (friends of friends) for users

Write a SQL query to find 2nd-degree connections (friends of friends) for users.

Asked in the coding round stage. SQL half of the DE coding round.

Output

Return one row per user and eligible second-degree connection.
Include user_id, user_name, second_degree_user_id, second_degree_user_name, and mutual_friend_count.
Exclude the user themselves and existing direct connections. Sort by user_id, then second_degree_user_id.

Schema

users

Column	Type	Description
user_idPK	INT	Unique user identifier
display_name	VARCHAR(100)	User display name

friendships

Column	Type	Description
friendship_idPK	INT	Unique friendship relationship row
user_id	INT	User initiating the directed friendship record
friend_id	INT	Connected user's identifier

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