Code Generation

Write a {{language}} function that {{function_description}}.

Requirements:
- Input: {{input_description}}
- Output: {{output_description}}
- Handle edge cases: empty input, null values, invalid types
- Time complexity should be O({{complexity}}) or better
- Include JSDoc/docstring with parameter descriptions and return type

After the function, provide:
1. Three test cases covering normal, edge, and error scenarios
2. A brief explanation of your algorithmic approach
3. One alternative approach with its tradeoff

Do not include unnecessary comments in the code itself — the code should be self-documenting.