Approach
To design a data structure for a Least Recently Used (LRU) cache that efficiently supports get
and put
operations, follow this structured framework:
Understand LRU Cache Requirements:
It should store a limited number of items.
When the cache reaches its capacity, it should remove the least recently used item.
Choose Appropriate Data Structures:
Use a Hash Map for O(1) access time to cache items.
Use a Doubly Linked List to maintain the order of usage, allowing quick updates when items are accessed or added.
Implement Operations:
Define the
get
operation to retrieve items and move them to the front of the usage list.Define the
put
operation to add items, evicting the least recently used item if necessary.
Key Points
Efficiency: Both
get
andput
operations should run in O(1) time complexity.Storage: The cache should have a fixed capacity that can be set upon initialization.
Order Maintenance: The order of items in the cache should be updated to reflect usage, with the most recently accessed items at the front.
Standard Response
Here's a sample implementation of an LRU Cache in Python using a hash map and a doubly linked list:
Tips & Variations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Capacity: Failing to implement eviction logic when the cache is full.
Inefficient Data Structures: Using lists for storage can lead to O(n) access times.
Not Handling Edge Cases: Forgetting to handle cases where
get
is called for a non-existent key.
Alternative Ways to Answer
For a technical role: Focus on the algorithmic complexity and discuss trade-offs of different data structures.
For a managerial role: Emphasize how this design can be scaled or modified for larger systems and discuss potential use cases.
Role-Specific Variations
Technical Positions: Discuss the time complexity in-depth and consider alternative implementations (e.g., using only a list).
Creative Roles: Relate the LRU cache concept to user experience, explaining how efficient data retrieval can enhance application performance.
Follow-Up Questions
How would you modify the cache to support concurrency?
What would be the impact of changing the data structure used for the cache?
Can you explain how you would test this implementation for edge cases?
By following this structured approach, job seekers can craft comprehensive and effective responses to interview questions about designing data structures, such as an LRU cache. This response not only demonstrates technical ability but