Build and optimize a video playlist component
Overview
This question evaluates frontend system design and React-specific competencies, including state management with hooks, refs and effect handling for media elements, component boundaries, performance optimizations, and accessibility considerations.
Netflix
Aug 1, 2025, 12:00 AM
Software Engineer
Technical Screen
System Design
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Implement a React Video Playlist Component
Context
Design and outline a web video playlist UI using React (functional components) and the HTML5 video element. The playlist should render thumbnails, play a selected video, and support a sequential "Play All" mode.
Requirements
- Display a list/grid of video thumbnails.
- When a thumbnail is clicked, start playing that video and ensure all other videos stop (only one plays at a time).
- Provide a "Play All" control that automatically plays all videos sequentially and stops at the end.
Use React functional components and describe your approach and key decisions for:
- Managing state with hooks.
- Using refs to access players.
- Effect handling and media event listeners.
Follow-ups
- Performance with many videos (e.g., virtualization, lazy loading, thumbnail vs. player mounting, memoization).
- State management for clarity and scalability (lifting state, context, reducer, controlled vs. uncontrolled items).
- Component boundaries and props/interfaces (e.g., Playlist, VideoItem, Controls).
- Accessibility and browser autoplay considerations.
Solution
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