I was assigned to the SQL Server team. First, we talked about SQL Azure, something I was totally unfamiliar with. Then, in the next three rounds, we talked about databases all day.

Topics included:

• Virtual memory
• Two-level page tables
• Indexing mechanisms
• B+ trees
• Query optimizers

Sadly, I really think they should let candidates know which team they will be assigned to before the interview.

1. Given a number k, output how many prime numbers are there between 2 and k (inclusive).

2. Given two strings a and b, determine whether b is a subsequence of a (not a substring). First, use recursion, then use loops. Finally, explain which approach is better.

3. If a database query manager buffer is filled without any more space, what kick-out mechanisms would you use? Consider FIFO, Oldest, Least Recently Used, etc. Explain your reasoning.