How to Ace the Machine Coding Round
How to architect and build a scalable React component in 90 minutes under pressure.
Clarify the Requirements
Spend the first 10 minutes asking edge-case questions. What happens if the API fails? Does it need to be responsive? Should it be accessible? Establish the exact Minimum Viable Product (MVP) scope before typing.
Design the Component Tree
Draft the architecture on paper. Break the UI into logical parent and child components. Decide where the state should live (usually hoisted to the lowest common ancestor).
Build the Skeleton
Write the basic JSX structure and wire up the state logic. Ignore CSS styling completely at this stage. Prove that the core functionality works (e.g., clicking a button updates the state and renders the list).
Mock the Network Layer
If an API isn't provided, build a mock async function using setTimeout. Implement critical performance patterns immediately: Debounce search inputs, and handle Loading and Error UI states.
Apply the Styling
Once the logic is flawless, apply vanilla CSS. Use Flexbox or CSS Grid for layouts. Interviewers specifically want to see if you can align and space items without relying on Tailwind or Bootstrap.
Audit for Edge Cases and Accessibility
Spend the final 5 minutes testing edge cases. What if the API returns an empty array? Add 'aria-labels' and ensure the component is navigable using the keyboard (tabbing) to demonstrate senior-level care.
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