topological-sort Interview Questions
34 interview questions in our bank cover topological-sort, most of them Coding & Leetcode-style Questions. They average 3.1/5 difficulty — medium — and each one was reported by a candidate after a real interview. Companies known to ask about topological-sort: Amazon, NVIDIA, Airbnb, Snowflake, Oracle, and 15 more.
Practice these on the problems board →Companies that ask about topological-sort
Question mix
- Coding & Leetcode-style Questions33
- System Design for ML1
Difficulty
- 2/5 — easy1
- 3/5 — medium28
- 4/5 — hard5
Questions tagged topological-sort
OpenSheet: Spreadsheet with Cell Dependencies
3/5In this coding interview question reported at OpenAI, you are asked to build a mini spreadsheet application that manages cell references, mathematical formulas, and automatic dependency updates. The challenge requires handling arithmetic operations while detecting and preventing circular references among cell links, with follow-ups exploring optimized evaluation graphs. It tests your graph traversal algorithms, state management, and object-oriented design capabilities. Access to the complete problem breakdown and verified model solution requires a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsOpenAIDistance from Each Node to the Cycle
3/5Reported as an interview question at Microsoft, this graph theory challenge requires candidates to analyze network structures containing a single cyclic component with attached tree branches. The objective is to compute the shortest path from every vertex in the graph to the nearest node residing on the primary cycle. This problem evaluates graph traversal techniques and iterative node reduction strategies. Unlock the complete problem details and the optimal model solution by acquiring a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsMicrosoftComputation / Dependency Graph Validation and Pruning
3/5Practice a graph manipulation and validation exercise often featured in technical evaluations at NVIDIA. This challenge assesses your proficiency in managing complex dependency networks, ensuring structural integrity, detecting circular references efficiently, and pruning unnecessary execution branches within deep learning computation graphs. It tests core data structure skills using traversal algorithms and topological sorting to optimize runtime performance. The complete problem statement, edge-case analysis, and fully tested reference implementation require a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsNVIDIAJob Scheduler with Task Dependencies (DAG Executor)
4/5This Databricks system design question requires you to architect a robust low-level job scheduler capable of executing tasks based on directed acyclic graph dependencies. You will need to address complex architectural concerns including topological sorting, lifecycle state management, worker allocation, heartbeat mechanisms, and failure recovery policies. It evaluates your ability to design reliable, distributed concurrent systems. Unlock the complete problem overview and expert solution with a subscription.
System Design for MLDatabricksService Shutdown via Topological Propagation
3/5In this Amazon coding challenge, you are asked to track cascading failures across an interconnected software architecture. Given a group of initial service outages, your goal is to identify every component that becomes unusable either directly or through downstream connections. This exercise evaluates your proficiency with graph traversal and dependency propagation techniques. Gain access to the full problem text and optimal code solution by subscribing today.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAmazonValidate Adding a Directed Edge Without Conflict or Cycle
3/5Reported as a Hive interview question, this puzzle requires you to verify whether a new directed link can be safely integrated into an existing network structure. You must ensure that the addition neither creates a duplicate path nor introduces any circular loops into the system. This task examines your understanding of graph validation and cycle detection algorithms. To view the complete problem requirements and the optimal solution, subscribe now.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsHiveSki Path — Max Score on a Weighted DAG
3/5This Airbnb interview question requires finding the optimal traversal path on a weighted directed acyclic graph to maximize cumulative rewards while minimizing associated costs. You will practice pathfinding algorithms tailored for graphs with node rewards and edge weights leading to multiple potential destinations. The problem tests dynamic programming on DAGs, topological sorting, and path reconstruction techniques. The full problem statement, test scenarios, and verified model solution require a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAirbnbLongest Path in a DAG
4/5Master a fundamental graph theory problem frequently featured in Amazon coding interviews, requiring you to determine the longest traversal route within a directed acyclic graph. This challenge tests your mastery of topological sorting, dynamic programming, and efficient pathfinding across dependency networks. The complete problem statement, underlying algorithmic theory, and fully documented model solution require an active subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAmazonCourse Schedule with Time / Batches
3/5This reported Snowflake interview challenge extends the classic dependency resolution problem by incorporating individual task durations and prerequisite constraints. Candidates must compute the absolute minimum completion time required to finish all tasks across parallel tracks. This scenario tests advanced graph traversal and dynamic programming techniques under time-sensitive rules. Access to the comprehensive problem breakdown and verified code implementation requires a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsSnowflakeDetermine Valid Build Order
3/5Presented during recruitment evaluations at Airtable, this problem requires you to establish a proper compilation sequence given a set of interconnected project files and prerequisite rules. You will need to organize tasks in a linear order that respects all directional dependencies without triggering conflicts. This task is ideal for practicing graph traversal, cycle detection, and topological sorting algorithms. View the complete problem details and professional solution code by subscribing today.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAirtableTask Processor: Dependencies and Deadlines
3/5Designing efficient scheduling systems is a staple of backend engineering assessments, highlighted in this reported Scale AI interview question. You are tasked with creating a job manager that handles strict temporal deadlines, dynamic dependency tracking, and real-time schedule modifications. This problem examines your proficiency in utilizing advanced data structures like priority queues and dependency graphs to maintain optimal execution order. Reviewing the complete prompt and reference implementation demands an active subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsScale AICourse Schedule (Can Finish All Courses)
3/5Based on a reported Visa interview question, this problem requires you to determine if a set of educational tasks with dependency constraints can all be completed successfully. The core challenge evaluates your understanding of graph theory, specifically cycle detection and topological sorting in directed graphs. You will need to model prerequisites effectively to verify whether a valid execution sequence exists. To view the complete problem statement and optimal model solution, a subscription is required.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsVisaGraph API: Insert/Configure/Validate with Cycle Detection and Structural Constraints
4/5This architectural design challenge, reported from NVIDIA interviews, requires you to build a robust directed dependency management component supporting node creation, bulk configuration, and rigorous validation. Key responsibilities include cycle detection to prevent deadlocks and verifying valid topological execution sequences. It tests your object-oriented design patterns, graph theory fundamentals, and error handling capabilities. Unlock the full implementation details and reference solution with a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsNVIDIACourse Schedule (Prerequisite Cycle)
3/5Appearing in a JPMorgan assessment, this classic graph traversal problem requires you to determine whether a set of academic courses can be completed given a list of prerequisite dependencies. You must model the curriculum as a directed graph and detect any cyclic dependencies that would cause a deadlock. The challenge tests your graph theory foundations and cycle-detection algorithms under timed conditions. Access the full problem description and optimized code solution by subscribing.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsJPMorganMaximum Completable Tasks with Prerequisites (Topological)
3/5Reported as an Oracle screening question, this graph-theoretic challenge requires determining the maximum number of milestones you can achieve given strict dependency constraints. Because certain pathways might contain circular dependencies, you must identify valid execution sequences using topological sorting principles. The puzzle evaluates your graph traversal skills and your ability to prune invalid branches efficiently. Unlock the complete problem text, underlying architectural patterns, and verified solution code with a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsOracleDAG Allow/Disallow Letter Propagation
3/5Encountered frequently in Snowflake interviews, this graph theory challenge requires you to compute cumulative permissions across a directed acyclic structure. Nodes possess additive and subtractive attributes that propagate downward to all descendants, with strict precedence rules governing conflicts. The problem tests your graph traversal strategies and state propagation logic over hierarchical data. The full problem and model solution require a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsSnowflakeActivate Features with Prerequisites
3/5Examine this dependency resolution problem reported during Google technical interviews. Given a set of functionalities governed by strict prerequisite rules, your task is to compute a valid activation sequence or identify if circular dependencies make execution impossible. This question evaluates your understanding of directed acyclic graphs, topological sorting algorithms, and cycle detection techniques in real-world dependency trees. Strengthening your graph traversal skills is crucial for clearing top-tier software engineering loops. Unlock the complete problem context, optimal algorithmic strategy, and detailed reference code by purchasing a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsGoogleService Dependency Topological Order
3/5Tackle a classic graph traversal challenge frequently reported during technical screenings at Uber. Candidates are tasked with determining the correct sequence for executing interconnected tasks while accounting for upstream dependencies and cyclical relationships. The exercise heavily emphasizes algorithmic efficiency, requiring precise justifications for both processing time and memory overhead. Unlock the complete breakdown, optimal algorithmic strategy, and fully annotated source code by upgrading to a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsUberCourse Schedule Cycle Detection
3/5Tackle this essential graph theory problem featured in Snapchat interviews, which centers on dependency resolution and cycle detection. Given a set of tasks and their prerequisites, your goal is to determine if a valid completion order exists without running into circular blocks. This challenge tests your knowledge of depth-first search and topological sorting algorithms. Access to the full problem text and clean implementation details requires a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsSnapchatCourse Schedule (Topological Sort)
3/5Featured as a technical interview question at eBay, this problem evaluates your ability to model and solve prerequisite dependency graphs. Given a set of courses and their required ordering constraints, you must determine whether it is possible to complete all subjects without hitting a circular dependency, and if so, generate a valid sequential schedule. This is a classic application of topological sorting techniques in directed graphs. The full problem statement, edge cases, and optimized solution require a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionseBayImplement a DAG Utility Class (Add Edges, Validate, and Query)
3/5Featured in recent Notion interviews, this coding challenge requires you to design a robust directed acyclic graph utility to manage task dependencies. You will implement methods to dynamically insert edges while actively preventing circular relationships, verify graph integrity, and determine proper execution sequences. This problem tests your grasp of graph theory, cycle detection algorithms, and object-oriented design principles. Access the comprehensive problem specification and the optimal model solution by acquiring a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsNotionTask Dependency Resolution (Topological Sort)
3/5Reported during interviews at Vanta, this challenge requires you to compute a correct execution sequence for a collection of interdependent jobs. It tests your proficiency with graph traversal algorithms, cycle detection, and topological sorting within a practical build-system context. You must filter and order tasks properly while eliminating redundancies to ensure a reliable deployment workflow. Access to the comprehensive problem breakdown and verified solution code requires an active subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsVantaService Load Factor / Referral Count
3/5This popular Robinhood technical screen evaluates your proficiency with directed acyclic graphs by asking you to calculate the total downstream dependencies for every node in a network. Interviewers use this task to assess how well you traverse hierarchical relationships and compute cumulative metrics efficiently. To view the complete prompt, constraints, and professional model solution, a subscription is required.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsRobinhoodCourse Schedule: Can All Courses Be Finished
3/5Conquer a foundational graph theory challenge frequently encountered in Apple technical interviews. Given a set of courses and their prerequisite dependencies, your objective is to determine whether it is possible to successfully complete all subjects without running into circular blocks. This problem tests your proficiency in cycle detection and topological sorting algorithms using directed graphs. Gain access to the comprehensive problem statement, optimal algorithmic patterns, and verified code solutions with a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAppleCourse Scheduler — Print Path (Simplified)
2/5Featured during a technical screening at Oracle, this simplified dependency resolution task requires candidates to generate an ordered sequence of study modules based on single prerequisite links. The challenge tests your graph traversal capabilities and how well you can map out linear execution orders under strict dependency rules. Interviewers use this scenario to evaluate clean implementation speed and foundational data structure handling within a tight timeframe. Access to the full problem description and the expert-crafted model solution requires an active subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsOracleSpreadsheet / Formula Engine
3/5Asked during a technical interview at Harvey, this problem challenges you to construct a miniature grid computation engine capable of managing cell values and simple arithmetic formulas. The task tests your expertise in dependency graph construction, topological sorting, and cycle detection to prevent recursive formula deadlocks. Implementing swift read operations while propagating updates through dependent cells requires careful architectural planning. Review the complete problem statement and professional model solution with a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsHarveyKey Store With Sum-Dependency Cascades
3/5This Airbnb interview question requires you to build a dynamic key-value storage system capable of handling base assignments alongside dependent variables whose values automatically recalculate whenever their referenced keys change. It tests your graph traversal skills, dependency resolution mechanics, and memoization or propagation strategies for reactive data flows. Gain access to the full problem requirements, architectural patterns, and production-grade solution through our subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAirbnbTotal Completion Time With Dependencies
3/5Featured in Amazon coding assessments, this problem challenges you to calculate the minimum duration required to complete a set of interdependent tasks assuming unlimited concurrent execution capacity. It evaluates your mastery of directed acyclic graphs, topological sorting, and critical path analysis in parallel processing environments. Unlock the comprehensive walkthrough, complexity analysis, and complete model solution with a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsAmazonCourse Schedule and Topological Sort on a Directed Graph
3/5Graph theory and dependency resolution are core competencies evaluated during engineering interviews at industry giants like ByteDance. This interview question requires you to analyze a directed network to identify cyclic dependencies and establish a valid sequential workflow order. It tests your mastery of traversal strategies, cycle detection algorithms, and in-degree tracking techniques. Review the full problem guidelines and optimal algorithmic solution by obtaining a subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsByteDanceAlien Dictionary: Recover Character Order
4/5This popular interview question frequently asked at Uber challenges candidates to deduce the precise alphabetical sorting order of an unknown dialect given a collection of chronologically ordered terms. It tests your proficiency with graph traversal algorithms, topological sorting, and cycle detection techniques on directed relationships. You will need to carefully extract precedence rules by comparing adjacent entries and build a coherent sequence. To view the comprehensive problem statement, complete test cases, and a fully explained optimal model solution, unlock the full platform subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsUberChain of Command — Longest Chain Length
3/5Analyze hierarchical relationships with this graph theory challenge frequently utilized by IMC Trading. The task involves examining a corporate reporting structure to compute the maximum depth of directed supervisory paths within a directed acyclic graph. This problem tests your graph traversal capabilities and your knack for identifying longest paths efficiently. To view the complete problem details and the optimal model solution, a subscription is required.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsIMC TradingAlien Dictionary
4/5This classic Meta interview challenge asks you to deduce the correct alphabetical sequence of an unfamiliar language by analyzing a lexicon of words sorted according to its unique rules. Candidates must construct a dependency graph from adjacent word comparisons and perform a topological sort to uncover the valid character order or detect invalid cycles. This problem tests your graph modeling skills and cycle detection techniques under constraints. The comprehensive problem guide and clean model solution are restricted to paid subscribers.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsMetaTopological Sort with Declaration-Order Tie-Breaking
3/5Navigating complex prerequisite graphs with strict tie-breaking rules is a common theme in technical evaluations, as featured in this Roblox interview question. You are tasked with determining a valid execution sequence for a set of components while respecting declaration order and detecting cyclic or missing dependencies. This problem thoroughly examines your graph traversal algorithms and your attention to deterministic ordering edge cases. Unlock the full problem breakdown and verified model solution with a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsRobloxService Dependency Impact Propagation
3/5Analyzing downstream repercussions within interconnected data pipelines is a vital skill for modern infrastructure engineers, mirroring this LinkedIn interview scenario. You will process manifest configurations to trace how removed data pathways ripple across various services through multi-tier cascading impact levels. This challenge evaluates your graph traversal capabilities and efficient state tracking over hierarchical relationships. Explore the complete problem details and comprehensive reference solution by upgrading to a paid subscription.
Coding & Leetcode-style QuestionsLinkedIn
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topological-sort interview FAQ
- How many topological-sort interview questions are there?
- 34 reported questions, mostly Coding & Leetcode-style Questions.
- Which companies ask topological-sort questions?
- Amazon (3), NVIDIA (2), Airbnb (2), Snowflake (2), Oracle (2), Uber (2), OpenAI (1), Microsoft (1).
- How hard are topological-sort questions?
- They average 3.1 out of 5: 1 at 2/5, 28 at 3/5, 5 at 4/5.