Cracking the Code: Leetcode 2038 - Removing Colored Pieces with Identical Neighbors

Understanding the Challenge

Leetcode challenges are like puzzles waiting to be solved, and today, we're diving into a unique one - Leetcode 2038. This particular problem is all about removing colored pieces, but with a twist. We'll explore how to tackle this challenge step by step. If you've ever wondered about solving problems like these, join us on this coding adventure!

The Puzzle Unveiled

In Leet code 2038, you're presented with a row of colored pieces. These pieces are represented by a string containing only two characters, 'A' and 'B'. Your task is to remove pieces from the string if they have identical neighbors until you can't make any more moves.

Let's Break it Down

So, we're given a string, and we need to iteratively remove adjacent identical characters. It sounds simple enough, but let's dissect the problem further.

Imagine you have a row of beads in two colors, say, red and blue. You can remove adjacent beads of the same color. After each removal, the string might look completely different. The goal is to keep removing beads until you can't do it anymore.

A Step-By-Step Approach

To solve this problem, we need to follow a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by iterating through the string, character by character.
2. Check each character to see if it has identical neighbors.
3. If you find a character with identical neighbors, remove those beads (characters).
4. Repeat this process until you can't make any more moves.
5. Return the final state of the string.

Let's illustrate this with an example:

Example:
Suppose we have the string "ABBA". We'll start by removing the first pair of identical neighbors, resulting in "BA". Then, we remove the 'B' and 'A', leaving us with an empty string. That's our final state.

Coding it Out

Code are Here : https://bit.ly/Leetcode-2038-code

Now that we understand the problem and have a step-by-step plan, it's time to translate it into code. In your preferred programming language, you can implement this algorithm. Use loops and conditionals to check for identical neighbors and remove them until no more moves are possible.

Remember to consider edge cases, like an empty string or a string with no identical neighbors.

Complexity Analysis

It's always good practice to analyze the time and space complexity of your solution. In this case, the time complexity will be O(n) since we iterate through the string once. The space complexity is O(1) as we're manipulating the string in place.

Conclusion

Leetcode 2038 presents an intriguing problem that tests your ability to manipulate strings and make decisions based on specific criteria. By following a systematic approach and implementing the algorithm, you can successfully remove colored pieces with identical neighbors.

So, if you ever come across a row of colored pieces, remember the steps we discussed, and you'll be well-prepared to crack this Leetcode challenge. Happy coding!