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Explain the Big-O cost of checking a list vs a set

Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Your teammate asks why the dedupe script is slow. Explain in exactly 3 numbered lines labeled 'Now:', 'With a set:' and 'Trade-off:', each under 25 words. 'Now:' gives the current Big-O and why, 'With a set:' gives the Big-O with a set and why, and 'Trade-off:' names one thing a set loses compared to the list. No code blocks, don't rewrite the code, under 80 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • A lecture on Big-O. The AI explains complexity theory instead of answering Jordan. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 numbered lines, each under 25 words."
  • No labels. Without labels, the before, after and catch get mixed together. Try: Give them: "Now:, With a set:, Trade-off:".
  • Skipping the catch. The AI says 'use a set' without mentioning what a set doesn't keep. Try: Add: "Trade-off: one thing a set loses compared to the list."
  • Rewriting the code. The AI pastes the fixed function, but Jordan wants to make the change. Try: Add: "No code blocks; don't rewrite it."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the labels
  • Asks for Big-O
  • Sets the number of lines
  • Rules out code
  • Caps each line

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