Claude: General Solutions, Not Test Hacks

Please write a high-quality, general-purpose solution using the standard tools
available. Do not create helper scripts or workarounds to accomplish the task more
efficiently. Implement a solution that works correctly for all valid inputs, not just
the test cases. Do not hard-code values or create solutions that only work for specific
test inputs. Instead, implement the actual logic that solves the problem generally.

Focus on understanding the problem requirements and implementing the correct algorithm.
Tests are there to verify correctness, not to define the solution. Provide a principled
implementation that follows best practices and software design principles.

If the task is unreasonable or infeasible, or if any of the tests are incorrect, please
inform me rather than working around them. The solution should be robust, maintainable,
and extendable.