How do you merge two sorted arrays into one sorted array?
PICTURE THIS: GIT FLOW
Simple meaning
Walk both arrays with two indices and always append the smaller head into a result.
WHY — Two Pointers instead of guessing?
Why interviewers care about Two Pointers:
question about Two Pointers.
trade-offs, and what you would actually do on a DSA project - not buzzwords.
Name the idea, why it exists, then one short example.
End with when you use it and one common pitfall.
STEPS — What happens step by step?
Before you speak the answer, walk the interviewer through these steps:
- 1Walk both arrays with
two indices and always append the smaller head into a result.
- 2Time is O(n+m) and
space is O(n+m) for the output.
- 3If you may write
into a large enough first array, fill from the back so you do not overwrite unread values, still O(n+m).
- 4Give an example
One tiny concrete case you can say aloud.
- 5Common mistake
What juniors usually get wrong.
- 6Close
When you pick this over the alternative.
EXAMPLE — See it in action
Here's a short line you can speak, broken into clear beats:
Note: Adapt this scaffold to your own project — keep it under 60–90 seconds.
Key takeaway
Walk both arrays with two indices and always append the smaller head into a result. Time is O(n+m) and space is O(n+m) for the output.