Code Reading · interview question

What is the healthiest performance judgment around dry runs and rule narration?

Multiple choiceHardchapter-2-curatedpremiumcode-readingdry-runs-and-rule-narration

python

def preview_shipping(subtotal: float) -> str:
    if subtotal >= 100:
        return "free shipping"
    return "standard shipping"

Solve the symptom with comments only and avoid changing the code shape around dry runs and rule narration.Measure before optimizing, then change the part that actually dominates cost instead of guessing from style alone.Delay clarity until production traffic reveals the edge case and then patch it under pressure.Keep dry runs and rule narration implicit so the script stays short and hope the next engineer infers the rule.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Measure before optimizing, then change the part that actually dominates cost instead of guessing from style alone.

Why

Premature optimization is usually weaker than targeted optimization backed by measurement.

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What is the healthiest performance judgment around dry runs and rule narration?

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