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It's really hard to do anything in python without `iter` and `next` - understanding iterators and `iter` in particular is table stakes with python.

The problem is simple enough to solve without function calls at all (except maybe a comparator function) and this is why I like the second solution better: it is closer in spirit to the level of abstraction of the problem.

I think OP missed the point here: the interviewer was probably testing the candidate's Python chops by offering an opportunity to show off their knowledge of language features and standard library on a simple problem. The result is contrived by using __call__ and itertools, but is better for the purposes of the interview.

`iter` seems more approachable than `__call__` to me FWIW.

What's wrong with iter and next?