Hello Everyone!
The fourth and final day of Week 7 was spent talking about Kadane’s Algorithm and Binary Search in the context of solving optimization problems. Both of these approaches have become critical to competitive programming since they facilitate injecting speed and efficiency to solve most tasks. Modern day problems appeared like games where each move counts; a never-ending chess and checks.
Sinking Hierarchically
-
Maximum Subarray (Medium Dictionary Level)
- Task: Given an array of integer, find the subarray whose sum of elements in the subarray is maximum.
-
The Strategy:
I adapted the Kadane’s Algorithm where a present sum (
currentSum) and the maximum sum (maxSum) up to the current input value are initiated. Proposed: When the running sum was negative, one should reset it back to zero in order to obtain only positive contribution of elements in the subarray. - The Fun Part: It was like solving an optimization problem as I watched how the algorithm adapted to new members and changing the solution correspondingly.
-
BinSP: Binary Insert Position – the easiest Binary Tree algorithms You have to insert a new node into the BST in the given position
- Task: Determine the position in a sorted array list, where a target value needs to be incorporated to retain sorting.
- The Strategy: used binary search to find that position at which a new element will be inserted by comparing the value of the passage with the value of the middle element of a segment. If the object was not sighted the area was progressively limited down to identify the precise location of the object.
- The Fun Part: I never grow tired of binary search and the way it fine tunes itself to the answer as if it has been effortless.
Three Things that Made Today Unique
Dynamic Optimization with Kadane’s Algorithm:
People often get bewildered by simple problems like this one and think that there could be a faster and more efficient solution when in fact, this entire problem can be solved by linear traversal and simple logic forming an algorithm.The Precision of Binary Search:
– Binary search is systematic elimination for the best, the quickest and most rational approach on a given subject or problem and therefore, perfect.Real-Time Adjustments:
The first problem demanded real-time modifications in the formula where the array Maximum Subarray; the second one, reduced range of values in the array that was required by Binary Insert Position was interesting to solve.
Key Takeaways
Kadane’s Algorithm for Subarrays:
It is one of the joys in solving maximum subarray problems in linear time — power and simplicity of using dynamic programming.Binary Search for Sorted Data:
– It is always useful when working with sorted arrays and has a logarithmic complexity, therefore it can be successfully used in the work of any coder.Efficiency Through Simplicity:
Both challenges showed that a problem could be simplified to elegant solutions given that algorithms had been optimized.
Reflections
The review of Maximum Subarray was refreshing, as it always is when we apply Kadane’s Algorithm to remind us how we can find optimal solutions in linear times. On the other hand Binary Insert Position was a relatively easier problem; however, it brought about understanding about the Binary search and the importance of precision when dealing with sorted array problems. In combination, these issues highlighted the importance of selecting the appropriate algorithm given the circumstances.
What’s Next?
On Monday, I’ll bring it to an end with more Binary Search Problems, solving, for instance, Search a 2D Matrix and Find Peak Element. These tasks will challenge me involve use of binary search techniques in different functional areas; precision with logic.
You’ve been a great participant, thank you for interesting journey! We can only keep learning, improving and progressing side by side, can’t we?
Best regards,
Somuya
Top comments (0)