Find two numbers that sum to target
Company: Amazon
Role: Machine Learning Engineer
Category: Coding & Algorithms
Difficulty: medium
Interview Round: Technical Screen
Given an integer array `nums` of length `n` and an integer `target`, return the indices `(i, j)` (0-based) of two **distinct** elements such that `nums[i] + nums[j] == target`.
Requirements:
- Return any one valid pair of indices.
- You may assume **exactly one** valid pair exists.
- The same element cannot be used twice.
**Input:** `nums: int[]`, `target: int`
**Output:** two indices `i, j`
**Constraints (typical):**
- `2 <= n <= 1e5`
- `-1e9 <= nums[k] <= 1e9`
- `-1e9 <= target <= 1e9`
Quick Answer: This question evaluates a candidate's competency in basic algorithmic problem-solving within the Coding & Algorithms domain, focusing on array manipulation, pair-sum reasoning, and analysis of time-space trade-offs.
Return a deterministic pair of distinct indices whose values sum to target.
Constraints
- Inputs are Python literals matching the function signature.
- Return a deterministic exact-match value.
Examples
Input: ([2,7,11,15], 9)
Expected Output: [0, 1]
Explanation: 2 + 7 matches the target.
Input: ([3,3], 6)
Expected Output: [0, 1]
Explanation: Distinct indices can hold equal values.
Input: ([0,4,3,0], 0)
Expected Output: [0, 3]
Explanation: The same value can be used from two different indices.
Hints
- Clarify edge cases before coding.
- Keep outputs deterministic when several valid answers exist.