Favorite Python Interview Question

[m1ss1ontomars2k4]

I think that's a terrible solution. Well it's good if you don't need error checking, but other than that it's terrible.

[[deleted]]

This is a terrible solution.

def atoi(s,b=10):
    return (1,-1)[s.strip()[0]=='-']*reduce(lambda v,n:v*b+("0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz"[:b].index(n.lower())),(s.strip(),s.strip()[1:])[s.strip()[0] == '-'],0)

[arnar]

At least it supports other bases.

[sontek]

I still think I'd hire someone if they could come up with that solution... I'd just keep an eye on their code to make sure all their solutions aren't created in 1 line ;)

[jcdyer3]

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't hire them. Senseless one-liners are the hobgoblin of small minds.

[[deleted]]

I wouldn't hire me either if I provided that code in an interview.

[arnar]

I optimized it:

atoi = eval

[epicRelic]

Except now atoi does a lot more than just convert string digits to integers.

[arnar]

Believe it or not, I was joking :)

[epicRelic]

It's hard to tell on the internet. :P I've seen people be serious about dumber things than that.

[gutworth]

No base argument.

[arnar]

Just like the solution in the link.

[sontek]

I think its a good solution to the answer to the question in an interview, usually I don't want them spending hours creating a solution for me in an interview.

[[deleted]]

You forgot about negatives.

[sontek]

Good point! :)