My interview experience was refreshingly unique, characterized by a friendly atmosphere and an innovative approach to assessing technical skills. Instead of the typical LeetCode-style challenges, the process focused on practical coding tasks, architecture discussions, and bug-fixing rounds.

The architecture round allowed for high-level system design discussions, presenting a chance to explore scalability and technology choices. Meanwhile, the coding rounds presented real-world problems, a welcome departure from abstract algorithm puzzles. This approach not only tested my technical prowess but also highlighted the company's emphasis on practical, day-to-day coding challenges.

Perhaps most notably, the bug squash rounds offered a rare insight into the importance of code quality and maintenance, emphasizing debugging skills alongside development. Throughout, the interviewers maintained a supportive and engaging demeanor, transforming the process into an enjoyable dialogue rather than a stringent assessment.

This interview not only evaluated my skills but also showcased the company's culture, prioritizing technical excellence within a positive and collaborative work environment. It was an enlightening experience that stood out for its practical focus and the warmth of the team.

Design an API rate limiter and scale it.